New noise barriers will be built as part of the New NY Bridge project based on overwhelming support from local residents.
“The public has spoken and they overwhelmingly support the construction of sound reducing traffic noise barriers as part of the New NY Bridge Project,” said Brian Conybeare, Governor Cuomo’s Special Adviser for the New NY Bridge Project. “This is another way we trying to make this the most inclusive and transparent infrastructure project in the history of the state. We will continue to include input from local residents and other stakeholders as the project moves forward.”
Last month, the New York State Thruway Authority, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited local residents to vote on the placement of proposed noise barriers.
Noise barriers are recommended as a form of traffic noise abatement only if they are determined to be both feasible and reasonable. According to Thruway and NYSDOT noise policies, as well as FHWA noise regulations, once a noise barrier is deemed both feasible and reasonable, ‘benefited receptors’, defined as property owners and/or residents of properties that would receive at least a five decibel reduction in noise level as a result of the proposed noise barriers, have an opportunity to cast a vote either for or against its construction.
Public meetings were held in both Westchester and Rockland counties during the week of June 23. At the meetings, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC explained the locations and heights of the proposed walls for the areas that met the noise mitigation requirements, along with any possible aesthetic preferences.
The voting results show the benefited receptors overwhelmingly favor having noise barriers constructed and based on their support the walls will be built as part of the New NY Bridge Project.
Overall, 306 ballots were sent to benefited receptors. The tabulated results from the vote appear below:
|
Barrier |
Votes For |
Votes Against |
Results |
| Westchester East Noise Barrier |
87 |
1 |
98% FOR BARRIER |
| Westchester West Noise Barrier |
2 |
0 |
100% FOR BARRIER |
| Rockland North Noise Barrier |
96 |
5 |
95% FOR BARRIER |
| Rockland South Noise Barrier |
31 |
2 |
94% FOR BARRIER |
