Tests prove bypass noise limit broken

Jessica Benton
Geelong residents are taking action to prove noise from the city’s bypass is “unbearable” for neighbouring households.
Wandana Heights’ Hans Van Dorssen said his own tests at his James Cook Drive home earlier this week proved the bypass was too noisy.
Mr Van Dorssen, a professional analyst, said the tests found that noise from the road was way above Vicroads’ limits.
The Independent revealed last month that the state roads authority had rejected pleas from residents to upgrade sound barriers along the bypass, saying noise levels were within limits.
Mr Van Dorssen said his tests day and night this week proved Vicroads wrong.
The results were “well-above the so-called parameters”, he said.
“The peak reading was 81.5 decibels on Tuesday afternoon at 3pm,” Mr Van Dorssen said.
“The reading was from two trucks that came down the road with their engine brakes on, producing very high noise levels – it was bloody horrendous.”
Mr Van Dorssen’s tests have prompted two councillors with wards bordering the bypass to push for council-funded noise monitoring.
Andrew Katos and Stretch Kontelj pledged to seek their colleagues’ support at next week’s council meeting.
Cr Kontelj said it was unfair residents had to conduct their own tests.
“I want council to fund the testing and, with the results in hand, decide what more needs to be done,” he said.
“If we find the noise levels are above what Vicroads predicted, then we need to take it further and fight for the residents until a suitable solution is found.”
Residents from Fyansford to Waurn Ponds have signed a petition urging Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas and Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield to fight for bans on truck drivers from using noisy engine braking on the bypass.