TDOT Celebrates Completion of First Type II Noise Wall Project in the State

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation today joined residents of Nashville’s historic Woodland-in-Waverly neighborhood to mark the completion of the state’s first ever Type II Noise Wall project. The project is located along Interstate 65 from Craighead Street to Wedgewood Avenue and is the first noise wall to be built as a stand alone project in Tennessee.

“The residents of the Woodland-in-Waverly community have worked diligently on a project that will improve their quality of life and help protect this historic neighborhood,” said Governor Bredesen. “Their efforts will be felt across the state as TDOT moves forward with more of these Type II noise wall projects in neighborhoods similar to the Woodland-in-Waverly community.”

The Type II Noise Wall program provides noise barrier walls in qualifying neighborhoods that were established before high volume roadways were built. Neighborhoods must meet specific criteria required by the federally funded Type II Program.

“In March, we stood in this very spot to break ground on the state’s first Type II Noise Wall. Today, the difference is remarkable and is reason for Woodland-in-Waverly residents to celebrate,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Over time, we hope to have the same impact on at least twenty other locations like this one.”

Senator Thelma Harper, Senator Douglas Henry and Representative Mary Pruitt, who were instrumental in the development of this program, joined Commissioner Nicely today on Lindell Avenue as the last panel of the noise wall was lowered into place.

“There is nothing more gratifying than working with my constituents to make such a positive change in their community,” said Senator Harper. “I thank TDOT for hearing their concerns and launching this important program.”

“It is clear what a difference this program can make in countless neighborhoods across the state,” added Senator Henry. “These residents now have some much needed peace and quiet.”

Representative Mary Pruitt said, “This community has invested many hours of hard work to make this dream a reality. I commend them and TDOT for the development of a program that will help countless others in the future.”

TDOT worked closely with residents in the Woodland-in-Waverly neighborhood during the design of the new noise walls. Residents provided input on everything from the color of the walls to the landscaping that will further enhance the area.

 “We are so grateful to Commissioner Nicely and to everyone at TDOT for their willingness to work with us,” said David Earnhardt of the Woodland-in-Waverly Neighborhood Association. “We will now be able to enjoy our community in a way we never have before.”

The noise wall project along Interstate 65 was constructed at a cost of approximately $2.5 million. Over the next few weeks, the contractor will finish some remaining items of work, including landscaping and removing the concrete barriers placed along Interstate 65.

Work will begin in spring 2008 on a new Type II Noise Wall project, located along Interstate 40 East beginning at I-65 and extending to I-24.
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Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT Public Information Officer
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us
615-741-9930 (office)
615-533-7105