Why are there walls align the Interstates?

Question

When I am driving on the interstate in VA, there are walls erected. Why is this so? Is it to make things appear pretty? Or, do they have a a purpose?

Answer 1

.....walls are meant to keep things out, and to keep things in

...keeping cars in the freeway and not driving over land to exit the freeway is a challenge ....so many Americans feel that driving on the grass is 'okay' for them to do, but it is actually illegal, and is less 'costly to maintain with walls, not police (because over time, it is obvious that certain drivers cannot be 'trusted' to stay on the designated roadways

....walls are also safety barriers to keep 100 mph rovers from barreling through someone else's home at '4 in the morning'

....walls are sound barriers, some homeowners can listen to conversations in the privacy of their homes, without the intrusion of vehicle noises

...further down the road you will see walls along the Interstates that keep mudslides and rocks from encumbering the roadways

....walls prevent trees and bushes from reaching into the road

.....walls also are used to prevent wildlife from entering the lanes of traffic, often guiding the animals toward the underpasses intended for them to coexist with our roads, but hopefully in a manner safe for the animals

Answer 2

to block the noise from reaching homes near the interstate.

PS> I hate them, they block my view of the scenery.