Date:  Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Contact:
Joe Irwin, WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2703
MaryLou Nebergall, Project Engineer, 360-570-6750

LACEY – Residents who live near Interstate 5 in Lacey’s Thompson Place and Tanglewilde East neighborhoods will experience a storm before the quiet beginning next week when work to erect two noise barriers gets under way.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Mowat Construction Company are scheduled to start on-site work May 31, and are scheduled to complete the barriers in October.

People living in neighborhoods along this stretch of I-5 hear traffic noise from 86,000 vehicles every day. The $4.8 million project includes more than a mile of new noise walls to give relief to more than 150 households. Work will progress in phases as crews first clear trees and brush from the hillside adjacent to I-5, build an access road, drill foundation shafts and then install wall panels.

“Some of this work will be a bit noisy and disruptive for residents living closest to I-5,” said MaryLou Nebergall, project engineer. “But once we’re done, we’re done, and they can enjoy more peace and quiet for decades to come.”

The two walls will range from 8 to 20 feet tall, and measure 3,950 feet long and 3,350 feet long for Thompson Place and Tanglewilde East, respectively. Homes nearest to the interstate will see the biggest change in noise levels.

“For a number of residents, the constant roar of I-5 traffic will noticeably be reduced, improving the quality of life in these neighborhoods,” Nebergall said. “This will be a good thing for homeowners, and a good thing for Lacey.”

Construction of the original I-5 did not consider noise impacts, but certain locations along the interstate and other state highways qualify for noise reduction projects. WSDOT ranks these projects and places them on a statewide retrofit list. They are completed as funding is available. Find out more about the noise barrier program.

Learn more about the I-5 – Exit 111 Lacey Vicinity Noise Barrier Project.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ or by dialing 511.

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