Arcense Bypass Noise Measures Delayed Amid Resident Complaints
Current Situation and Reported Problems
From residents in the Via Mantova area and especially from the condominiums on Via Caduti di Cefalonia, many of which were built very close to the Sarca riverbanks, come just a few days after the opening of the southern section of the bypass, there are accusations—some quite serious—against the province and the municipality of not respecting the agreements: these stipulated that a sound-absorbing asphalt surface would be laid along the entire route of the new road, which has brought traffic just a few meters from the still open windows of the houses, pending the installation of noise barriers.
Indeed, as reiterated by the urban livability councilor Fabrizio Miori, who also claimed victory in a successful battle fought with the provincial traffic department to obtain noise barriers not included in the original project, the sound-absorbing asphalt has not yet been laid. However, this is a deliberate technical decision forced by the extraordinary acceleration of work to finally open the highly anticipated road.
Technical Decisions and Measures Taken
The decision was made to leave traffic free and wait for the inevitable settling of the two lanes before laying the final surface. To reduce noise caused by trucks and cars, the positive effect of the sound-absorbing asphalt will be complemented in due course by the installation of noise barriers.
As explained yesterday morning by engineer Bruno Gobbi Frattini of Ata Engineering, the sound-absorbing pavement can reduce noise levels by between 1 and 2.5 decibels depending on the granulometry chosen for the asphalt mixture; however, the most effective protection, with noise reduction ranging from 3 to 3.5-4 decibels, is achieved through the installation of barriers.
Future Perspectives and Works
The combined effect of these two techniques, which will be applied to the southern section of the Arcense bypass, is expected to provide sufficient protection to reduce inconvenience within acceptable limits. However, implementing the barriers will take time: recently, Ata Engineering, which is relocating its operational headquarters from Arco to Trento as announced yesterday, has been formally tasked by the provincial traffic service to design the characteristics and placement of the structures.
Funding of over one billion lire has already been allocated for these works.