TDOT Breaks Ground on Tennessee’s First Type II Noise Wall Project

Nashville, Tenn.—The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) today broke ground on the state’s first ever Type II Noise Wall project. The project is located along Interstate 65 from Craighead Street to Wedgewood Avenue in Nashville and is the first ever noise wall to be built as a stand alone project in Tennessee.

“This is an exciting day for the Woodland-in-Waverly community who worked for years to achieve this,” said Governor Bredesen. “I know the construction of this noise wall will help improve the quality of life for the residents in this neighborhood. I hope this is the first of many Type II noise walls constructed across the state.”

The new program provides noise barrier walls in qualifying neighborhoods that were established before high volume roadways were built. In order to be considered, neighborhoods must meet specific criteria required to obtain the necessary federal funding which makes the program possible.

“In March 2005 I stood in this neighborhood and announced our new program. Today I am very pleased to return to the Woodland-in-Waverly community to break ground on the first Type II Noise Wall project in Tennessee,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This is a great first step for our new program. Over time, we hope to address at least twenty other locations like this one. It will be a slow, methodical process, but we believe it will make an impact.””

Senator Thelma Harper, Senator Douglas Henry and Representative Mary Pruitt, who were instrumental in the development of this program, joined Commissioner Nicely at today’s groundbreaking on Lindell Avenue in Nashville.

“These noise walls will provide some much needed peace and quiet to hundreds of people in Nashville, and eventually across the state,” said Senator Harper. “It was my pleasure to work closely with TDOT and my constituents to launch this important program.”

“This is a first step to solving a problem that has plagued countless neighborhoods for decades,” added Senator Douglas Henry. “TDOT should be commended for making this program a priority, and I’m pleased I could assist.”

“These residents have made investments in their homes and in their neighborhoods and they deserve to have a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy,” added Representative Mary Pruitt. “This program will go a long way in making that dream a reality.”

TDOT worked closely with residents in the Woodland-in-Waverly neighborhood during the design of the new noise walls. Residents provided input on everything from the color of the walls to the landscaping that will be planted to further enhance the area.

“I speak for many of our residents when I say we are so grateful for the efforts of Commissioner Nicely to make this project happen,” said David Earnhardt of the Woodland-in-Waverly Neighborhood Association. “This groundbreaking is proof of what can be accomplished when everyone works together.”

The noise wall project along Interstate 65 will be constructed by the contractor Mountain States at a cost of approximately $2.5 million. The project is estimated to be completed in Fall 2007.

This is the first of three Type II Noise Barrier Wall pilot projects selected by TDOT to be let for construction.