New trees won't fix road noise, new surface could
I’ve followed the I-40/I-73 noise issue intently since moving within earshot of the corridor last year. Surely noise issues were included as part of some environmental impact study long before the first spade of dirt was ever moved. One might now assume Greensboro was duped by DOT or simply asleep at the wheel when the noise calculations were discussed. Does an interstate highway running through the middle of our fair city make any sense at all? Will an urban blight follow this corridor in coming years? It’s conceivable as few people yearn to hear the incessant droning of tires against concrete or the throbbing roar of a truck’s diesel engine at 3 a.m.
DOT now proposes to plant a double row of trees to mitigate noise. My findings indicate adequate research has not been conducted which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of plants in controlling sound pollution. This approach is certainly less expensive and controversial than a known and proven fix: road resurfacing and banning truck traffic. DOT’s proposal will help screen out the view of the highway but I’ll bet local residents will gladly trade a poor view for peace and quiet any day of the week.
Jim Arrington
Greensboro
Comments (4)
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Mr. Arrington:
Excuse me in advance if this comes across as unsympathetic, but why did you move "within earshot" of a noisy highway?
Posted on May 23, 2009 8:25 AM
Banning truck traffic is counter to the purpose of the Urban Loop. It is being built, in part, to divert truck traffic AROUND Greensboro, to reduce traffic congestion not noise.
Why would resurfacing work?
I live not too far from Business 85. Occasionally, I hear it. Fortunately I live far enough away, that it is rare and faint. When I bought my house, I avoided one very nice house that was cheaper and nicer than what I eventually bought specifically beause it was right next to Bus 85. The trees completely blocked the highway, but not the noise.
There's no getting around it. The folks who live next to the Loop are screwed.
Posted on May 23, 2009 10:29 AM
What does he not understand about the "I-40/I-73 corridor"? It is an interstate. They are loud, especially when you have a major interstate (I-40). And you can't exactly ban trucks from a major east/west interstate.
Posted on May 23, 2009 10:59 AM
Reminds me of people who bought houses near the airport and complain about airplane noise.
Posted on May 23, 2009 9:59 PM