KENTUCKY EAST END APPROACH AAT REVIEWS NOISE
REDUCTION OPTIONS
March 2006 -- The Kentucky East End Approach Area Advisory Team (AAT) has expressed strong opinions on the potential visual impact of the East End Bridge and approach on the Prospect and Harrods Creek communities. Similar concerns about increased noise levels near the quiet neighborhoods of far-eastern Jefferson County were the focus of the team’s March 30 meeting in Prospect.
Design team members from the Ohio River Bridges Project’s Kentucky East End Approach Section reviewed findings from their noise study and presented an overview of potential noise mitigation measures.
Jerry Leslie, section design manager for the Kentucky East End Approach, and Elizabeth Bullock, consultant with the engineering firm Third Rock, explained the methods used to gather data and gauge the potential noise impact of the Kentucky East End Bridge approach, which will feature three traffic lanes in each direction and a 2,000-foot tunnel.
AAT members viewed noise study results from key locations throughout the affected area. These findings will help project section designers determine where and what kind of noise mitigation structures may be needed. The AAT will be asked for its opinion about structures near the affected neighborhoods, and what those structures might look like.
After the noise study presentation, landscape architect Jim Klein reviewed a series of possible sound barrier treatments, each of which blended into the surrounding landscape and emphasized vegetative and stone elements that would complement the Prospect/Harrods Creek landscape. AAT members have expressed a strong preference for a natural look over barriers with a pre-fabricated appearance. The Bridges Project’s Bi-State Management Team will make the final decision as to the location and details of the noise walls.
Design team officials reviewed the upcoming US 42/KY 841 temporary ramp relocation and discussed the draft Immediate Needs Report and the Historic Preservation Plan. There was also a preliminary discussion about lighting and signing. Discussion of these items will be continued in subsequent AAT meetings.
A brief question-and-answer period followed the presentation, giving attendees further opportunities to voice concerns, offer comments and ask questions.