2012.02.06
A sight for sore ears
VDOT is moving forward with plans to complete the Valley View interchange on Interstate 581. As part of planning the project, the state needed to look at places where traffic noise would rise to a level that sound barriers might be needed to mitigate the impact on neighboring homes.
A public meeting was held in June, and letters were sent to affected residents giving them the choice as to whether they wanted a sound barrier or preferred to keep things the way it is. The interchange is not expected to increase traffic volume or noise. Rather the level already exceeds limitations in effect today. (Other John should feel free to jump in and lend this topic his expertise.)
Some 366 letters were mailed: 96 replied with 88 favoring the barriers; eight said no; and non responses were counted, per the letter’s instruction, as supporting noise barriers.
You can read about the briefing given to Roanoke City Council this morning. Fair warning: It’s a terrible copy. And you can watch the webcast, though you might need to wait until after the 2 p.m. session to start from the beginning. It is the first briefing.
Expectations are that a nice looking barrier that does not give a “tunnel” effect will be installed, but still the question remains: With walls standing between 13 feet and 16 feet, will the noise level be reduced enough to compensate for the loss of viewshed?
Anyone live near there and receive a letter?
