Earlier this month construction started on the second phase of the Boulevard of the Allies project. The first phase, building a new on-ramp from Fifth Avenue to the Boulevard and the Parkway East, was completed in November. Now, the two bridges on the Boulevard are being brought down to make way for the $29 million interchange improvement project.

And as a resident of Ophelia Street, South Oakland, I have a front row seat for all the demolition action ... and accompanying noise.