15 March 2014

Are the new noise walls effective?


 I recently asked a series of questions to DPTI regarding the noise screening walls at Goodwood Junction. This was at the request off a particular residents. I have put the answers into my own words but the other comments are mine. What the writer fails to understand is that they are not effective, particularly  ugly and  really a bit like a 'dogs  dinner'.



1.       Why have different treatments been used in different locations? – the purple dots link to the purple branding of Goodwood Rd and create a more playful and interesting environment. The screens sit lightly in their environment. The clear screens  in Lyons Pde give line of sight for the train driver s to Victoria St; like they would have any chance of stopping at 90 km per hour!
2.       Which of these, in order, will provide the best protection for residents? They all provide equal treatment.
3.       Many of the screens have holes or gaps in them, when will these gaps be sealed effectively? – the gaps will be rectified with appropriate flashings some of which has been completed. Where the screens have holes they are not acting as noise walls, and serve another purpose, mostly as a fence or barrier. Probably so but they should be.
4.       Why has the sound proofing not been extended along Arundel Ave even though the passing loop has been moved and the Belair trains now idle further south and the homes are not protected from this noise(or screened). This is not required under the EPA guidelines, and not part of the project scope. Same old answer, the project caused the passing loop to be moved, they have a responsibility to fix the problems caused by this. The residents not only perceive the trains to be louder that actually are louder, they squeal and are awful.
5.       Richards and Nairne Tce have much lower fences ,with gaps underneath them, if light can get through so can sound. These are fences not sound barriers. They have been upgraded to improve the amenity of the area as the old fences were not ideal. Any reduction in noise from the fence is a benefit. Once agin this may be true but they should be acting as sound barriers and for little additional expense could have been.
6.       What attempts are being made to reduce the residential impact of the horns on the electric trains? This is not a project issue but belongs to PTS. Lets blame somebody else, a real answer would tell be what he letters stand for and how to contact them.
7.       Who will be responsible for the removal of graffiti? Within the Corridor PTS, outside the corridor Council. But still when residents ask for the graffiti to be removed that say call Council. Residents are smart enough to know hat Council can and can't do but not DPTI.

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