From Deseret News archives:
Residents of Kaysville sound off about wall
The residents had gathered 641 signatures from people in the area and did their own sound wall study to show the area already has enough noise coming from the freeway to meet federal regulations for a sound wall.
With the support of the City Council, the residents formed a committee that met last Tuesday at Ponds Park South, 50 W. Burton Lane, to further discuss the issue.
UDOT is making final plans to expand I-15 by one lane in each direction starting next spring, and residents said there is an urgency to have the sound wall included or face years of delay in its installation.
"It's vital to our quality of life," Lana Minnick, a spokeswoman for the residents, told the council. "We are in an endangered time crunch to get this through (UDOT)."
Richard L. Lenz, a sound wall engineer with 25 years experience, did his own study of decibel levels in the area. He tested every residence while the UDOT study only did a sampling.
He said he tested noise at non-peak freeway hours, so as not to skew the study, and still found 51 locations that meet the criteria for a sound wall along the mile stretch of I-15.
Lenz estimates that noise levels in the area are at least three decibel levels higher during rush hours now and that they will increase about two decibel levels or more once the freeway is widened.
"We want to build this wall, if we can meet the criteria," Andy Neff, UDOT spokesman, said.
He said that in his seven years with UDOT, no group has been as passionate about a cause as this group of Kaysville residents.
"UDOT takes public input seriously," he said.
Minnick said she's not sure why UDOT eliminated the sound wall from its plan, and she'd like to see its original study. However, she stressed that residents had always expected it would be built when I-15 was widened.
Neff said UDOT's original sound wall study has some serious discrepancies. However, since the residents have not had a chance to see that study, he said UDOT would work to get it in their hands as soon as possible.
UDOT officials said they plan to do additional noise measurements in the area.
The citizens group sees the sound wall as a win-win situation since it would require no Kaysville city money. All of the approximately $1 million would be from federal and state funds.
Councilman Gil Miller agreed to be a member of the sound wall committee, representing the City Council.
Kaysville residents on the west side of I-15 haven't been involved in the sound wall discussion. That side of the city is far less developed and will likely have to wait years after the freeway is widened for a possible sound wall when it meets the criteria.
Kaysville residents in the sound wall area who want to be involved in the effort to secure the wall can contact Minnick at 447-4398.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com
Comments
- Reducing game time laughable 8:42 p.m.
- Sloan wants Jazz to improve focus 8:36 p.m.
- Utah Jazz Gameday glance 8:17 p.m.
- Seniors helped BYU regroup 8:00 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications 7:51 p.m.
- NHL: The Captain heads to the Hall 7:48 p.m.
- Jazz: Korver, Miles to be evaluated 7:43 p.m.
- Hiker rescued from narrow ledge 7:38 p.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 7:27 p.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 7:25 p.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
195 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
149 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
124 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
99
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
Get out of debt, stay out of debt, avoid it like it was a democrat.
...to understand the slow start. Remember this is their rebuilding year...
Senator Bennett for standing up against making the next chapter in American...
Always easy to kick a program when they are down. By the way, did you know...
If BYU is just so incredible, why can't they compete with top 25 teams? They...
I was always taught not to taunt people - period. It was not confined to...
sounds great im def gonna give it a try he's funny when does it start...
Horned Frogs 49 Utes 10 TCU has a great team this year. I'd...
You Texas fans are hilarious. Everybody gives BSU grief for their schedule,...
Congrats to all of the coaches, staff, teams, parents, vb supporters, etc....


You can be the first to comment on this story.