The noise reverberating into our neighborhood off of Interstate 5 is among the worst in the state. That has placed Noise Wall and other noise-abatement projects adjacent to our neighborhood at the top of the list for the WA Dept. of Transportation (WADOT).
For more information on this project, check out this website.This WADOT site includes maps and other updates. As of the end of July 2008, construction on the noise wall on the west of I-5 is starting. Noise walls on the Maple Leaf side have just finished the neighbor-voting stage.
The proposed Wall 1-South (NE 80th to NE 85th) failed to be endorsed by the neighbors polled by WADOT. Only 41% of the homes within 500 feet of the proposed wall endorsed its construction. Therefore, it will not be built.
The proposed Wall 1-North (NE 85th to NE 92nd) was endorsed by 88% of the neighbors polled. This one will be built, with construction starting in 2009.
One reason for the loud noise coming off I-5 is the bad state of the concrete roadway. The "washboarding" is particularly bad in the northbound lanes closest to our neighborhood. Beginning as early as February 2009, WADOT contractors will start grinding the lanes, beginning from the Ship Canal bridge and extending to 145th. Concrete sections that are too badly crack to be fixed by grinding will be replaced.
The construction will begin as early as February and last through the fall. Grinding will happen evenings and concrete section replacement will happen on the weekends.
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