Noise Barriers in Somerville

Abstract

TPS 641: Policies, interventions, communication, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 28, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Near-roadway air pollution is a significant public health problem that needs to move from observational studies to addressing the issue. In the 1970s, a thriving neighborhood and business district in the City of Somerville, MA was demolished for the construction of Interstate 93 (I-93). Today, over 200,000 vehicles daily move through adjacent residential neighborhoods. Prior research in these neighborhoods has documented that this traffic results in high levels of ultrafine particles and shown associations with blood biomarkers of inflammation. Methods: In response to research findings and community concerns, representatives of near highway neighborhoods proposed assessing the impact of installing noise barriers along I-93. We used Health Lens Analysis (HLA), a tool to assess the health implications of a project or policy, to conduct the assessment. Evidence was gathered through outreach, interviews with topical experts, a review of literature, and primary data collection of noise and air pollution measurements. Central to this effort was community engagement. The project team held community meetings and discussions with elected officials, tabled at events, facilitated conversation at ESL classes, and met with MassDOT, who would need to oversee sound wall design and installation. A sound study was also conducted of the near highway neighborhoods. The project culminated in a community participatory design charrette where participants generated evidence-based and actionable design recommendations. Results: The HLA found that barriers would be an effective solution for reducing noise and air pollution, however geographic and meteorological conditions would limit installation and efficacy in some areas. Participants pushed back on unadorned noise barriers, leading the HLA to consider the role of esthetics and vegetation in design and exposure reduction. Conclusions: An HLA approach, combined with a design charrette, was successful at engaging affected near highway communities and generating proposed noise barrier approaches acceptable to the community.