Residents in the Riverbend community, located in the southeast, are expressing concerns about the excessive traffic noise coming from Glenmore Trail. They believe that the current sound wall is ineffective in blocking out the noise, leading to disruptions in their daily lives.
Nichole Walczak, a resident of Riverbend, shared that the noise levels are so high that her children often complain, especially when trying to sleep with open windows. Another resident, Amanda Blackmore, mentioned that hosting guests has become awkward as they have to shout to communicate in their backyard due to the loud traffic noise.
Although there is a sound wall in place along the expressway bordering the community, residents feel that it no longer adequately reduces the noise levels. They are urging the city to consider making the wall taller, wider, or replacing it entirely to address the escalating noise issue.
Kathleen Schroeder, another resident, highlighted efforts made by the community to minimize the noise impact, such as upgrading windows and using thicker curtains. However, these measures have proven insufficient in combating the noise disturbance caused by the increased traffic volume following the completion of the Glenmore Trail expansion in 2019.
A recent traffic noise assessment conducted by the city in June revealed that noise levels in one area of Riverbend exceeded the acceptable limit for residential spaces, prompting concerns among residents. Schroeder, who initiated the noise test, expressed relief at the validation provided by the study results, affirming the community’s longstanding grievances.
The city’s noise barrier program aims to address noise concerns by identifying barriers for repair or replacement based on condition surveys and available budgets. City council has allocated funds for noise barrier maintenance, with Riverbend being one of several communities in need of upgrades to mitigate excessive noise levels.
As the city prioritizes noise barrier projects based on severity and budgetary considerations, Riverbend residents remain hopeful for timely interventions to alleviate the noise disturbances. Schroeder emphasized the importance of the city’s acknowledgment of the noise problem and sees the recent test as a positive step towards finding a solution to the ongoing noise challenges in the community.
