Tuesday, 23 June, 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is taking the first steps towards quieter surroundings for residents in Glenroy and Gowanbrae with noise walls to be installed along the M80 Ring Rd corridor.

Member for Pascoe Vale, Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull announced the testing of current noise levels along the freeway corridor with the results to help determine the most suitable option for the walls.

The Labor Government committed $10 million in the 2015-16 Victorian State Budget to build the noise walls, which will improve the quality of life of more than 14,000 residents with less noise travelling from the M80 Ring Rd into their homes.

Noise walls will be built on the southern side of the M80 Ring Road to minimise the traffic noise generated by the 160,000 vehicles, including approximately 28,000 trucks, that use the road every day.

To ensure the most appropriate location and height of the noise walls, VicRoads will need to measure the existing noise level at a number of properties next to the M80 Ring Rd.

VicRoads will be contacting some local residents in the next week to ask for permission to temporarily install noise monitors on individual properties. These monitors are small and will have no impact on you or nearby residents.

VicRoads will also speak with the local community to help develop plans for the design and colour of the noise walls.

The noise walls are expected to be completed by mid-2017.

Quotes attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale, Lizzie Blandthorn

“For years, Glenroy and Gowanbrae residents have voiced their concerns about the impact of noisy freeway traffic in their area. The Andrews Labor Government has listened and acted.”

“The community should be proud of its strong local campaigning on this issue and the Government looks forward to this project delivering quieter neighbourhoods for residents.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull

“These noise walls will provide a welcome buffer between residents and freeway traffic, improving their quality of life, allowing them to spend more time in their backyards and making it easier to sleep at night.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the job of dealing with the issues facing our community and finding solutions.”