We still need a sound barrier

Dear Mayor Marks:

From a noise reduction perspective, Mr. Dubé's presentation on Jan. 19 indicated that the project would result in a 1- to 15-dBA noise level reduction. Obviously at the east end — Bruce, Greene and Atwater — where the road level will remain essentially as is, there will be no improvement (1 dBA) and at the west end — the Glen area — where there is a significant reduction in the road level, the expectation is for a 15 dBA reduction in noise level.

Issues: • At peak traffic hours, the present noise level exceeds the Province of Quebec norms. Confirmed by Westmount's sound measurements taken some 10 years ago at this point. Given the "no change" in noise level at the east end — we still need a sound barrier. The noise remains a health issue. • The change in slope in the new expressway — from low at the west end to high at the east end — will mean east-bound traffic will now in effect be climbing a hill. The cars will be pressing on the gas. The noise level will rise and not stay essentially the same, as Mr. Dubé indicates. • One of the stated objectives of the project is to optimize the environment. I think you would agree — noise is part of the environment. The Ministre de transport recognizes the need for a sound barrier on the south side, but somehow does not think that noise reduction is an issue on the north side?

As a member of the original Sound Barrier Committee, I was involved in presenting our findings to Mayor Trent confirming the need for, and the resident support for, a sound barrier. We have made very little progress in the past 10 years. In our discussions with Mayor Trent, cost was a major issue. The City of Westmount now has a golden opportunity to have a sound barrier built at no cost to the city. While I realize that a sound barrier at the expressway level will not address the train noise, the traffic noise reduction would be better than nothing. I believe it is your responsibility to force the issue with the Ministre de transport and make sure that the barrier is included in the overall project.

Ted M. Semienchuk

Bruce Avenue