5 October 2004

Low-noise surface for parts of HB Expressway

Transit New Zealand is to spend an extra $1 million applying a low-noise surface to sections of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway that run through residential areas.

The asphalt mix surface is smoother than the existing chip seal surface and will reduce the amount of noise generated by vehicle contact with the road, Transit regional manager Neville Harkness said today.

“The noise created by the interaction of tyres with the road surface can be a significant component of overall traffic noise. The asphalt mix surfacings are expected to reduce the average noise levels by 2 to 3 decibels.”

Mr Harkness said the extra funding for replacing chipseal with low-noise surfaces in residential areas was part of a national programme and reflected Transit’s commitment to reducing the adverse social and environmental effects of the state highway network. The resurfacing work was over and above other work aimed at ensuring noise from the expressway fell within Transit’s noise guidelines

“Noise levels on the expressway have been a concern for Transit and residents alike and I am very pleased a large chunk of this year’s funding for noise reduction has been allocated to this region to enable us to take these extra steps.”

He said the new surface would be applied when resealing work was due at each site. “The section of the expressway between the Airport and Meeanee Quay, and that opposite Westminster Avenue, will receive the quieter surface this year, and the area between Taradale Road and the southern boundary of Pirimai will be resealed next year. For new projects in residential areas, such as the Meeanee Road interchange, the low-noise surfacings will be applied during construction as a matter of course.”

ENDS

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