KENTUCKY EAST END APPROACH AAT FAVORS NATURAL LOOK FOR LIGHTING, NOISE BARRIERS
Berm designs favored, though maintenance a concern
July 2006 -- The Kentucky East End Approach Area Advisory Team (AAT) renewed its call for context-sensitive design elements at the group’s May 23 meeting in Prospect. Design team members from H.W. Lochner, the engineering firm managing the Kentucky East End Approach, reviewed lighting and signage options and found the AAT members supportive of designs that enhance the area’s natural landscape.
Jim Klein, lead landscape architect for the Lochner design team, presented a series of roadside lighting options. Following initial discussion of the proposed height of the light poles, the group considered the aesthetic quality of the fixtures. Several group members indicated a preference for arched and rounded lights and designs incorporating “low-impact” elements.
Jerry Leslie, H.W. Lochner’s project manager for the Kentucky East End Approach section, said the group’s preferences would be noted, evaluated and presented at the next AAT meeting.
Noise barrier concepts –
Natural berm barriers found favor with the members, who viewed a presentation based on noise barrier analysis presented at the March 30, 2006 meeting. Several AAT members voiced concern that neighborhoods near noise barriers would have to take an active role in their maintenance.
Klein noted that many of the berm concepts presented make use of native plant species and grasses, which require little maintenance. He noted that mowing requirements will be considered in the final design, as will native plant scenarios and grassy areas.
Leslie stressed that neighborhoods, as well as the AAT, would have a say in any noise barrier design plans. H.W. Lochner plans to hold a series of neighborhood meetings with communities affected by berms or noise walls in order to collect residents’ input concerning designs.
Blasting notification --
A discussion of how and when residents would be notified of blasting activities led to several suggestions. One idea was to prepare a fact sheet explaining the role blasting will play in construction and including key contact information. This would be distributed throughout neighborhoods in the construction area and could be posted on the Bridges Project Web site. Members of the project team agreed to investigate developing a fact sheet or some other means of conveying information about blasting.