For Immediate Release
6/10/08

Quietly Pursuing More Noise Walls

I-476 Noise Impact Report Releases: More Sound Barriers Needed

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently released its Noise Impact Analysis report, outlining noise impacts and mitigation for the widening of the Northeastern Extension of the turnpike from the Mid-County Interchange north to the Lansdale Interchange in Montgomery County. 

Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr. (R44th), said the 248-page Noise Impact report on the I-476 reconstruction and widening project, is encouraging and he was pleased to see support for not only the noise walls identified during the preliminary engineering plans, but recommendations for additional walls along the 10.5 mile section of roadway.

There are, however, certain areas of Whitpain and Worcester townships, Senator Rafferty said, that under the draft plans are not scheduled to receive sound barriers. Senator Rafferty said he planned to meet with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission after the budget is passed and will address his concerns for the affected residents living along the turnpike project area in his district. 

"I believe this report is an important first step in providing protection for some peace for the residents impacted by increased turnpike noise," Senator Rafferty said. "Improvements are needed but we must keep the impact on residential properties to a minimum.".

Senator Rafferty, along with legislative colleagues from Montgomery County, reached out to the Turnpike Commission more than a year ago when the preliminary engineering design plans were released. At the time, there was concern for a range of issues, including the absence of sound barrier walls, what property would be taken for the project and the location of storm water ponds. 

The Turnpike Commission plans to schedule a meeting to publicly unveil its final plans for right of ways, including noise walls, retaining walls and storm water ponds. 

The Noise Impact Analysis Report is available for review at the following locations:

• Senator Rafferty's Collegeville district office at 3770 Ridge Pike, Collegeville, PA 19426
• Montgomery County Planning Commission, One Montgomery Plaza, Suite 201, Norristown, PA 19404
• Whitpain Township building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422
• Worcester Township building, 1721 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, PA 19490

The report also can be viewed online at www.paturnpike.com. Once on the Turnpike home page, click on the Major Design/Construction Projects link at the bottom of the page, and then click on the project entitled A20 to A30 Widening.

Contact:

Charles Pitchford
610-469-8390

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