What’s that? Bypass too noisy, you say?

Jessica Benton
Noise from Geelong’s bypass is driving neighbouring residents up the wall, according to their representatives.
Ward councillor Stretch Kontelj and state MP Ian Trezise want Vicroads to investigate what it can do to give peace and quiet back to residents in areas along the bypass without adequate sound barriers.
Cr Kontelj said constituents whose properties were near or backing on to the road had approached him for help.
“The residents I’ve spoken to say the noise can be quite overwhelming,” he said.
“If that’s the case then we need to look at a solution because it’s unfair if there’s a cost-effective way to eliminate it.
“Of course, the ring road is there for the greater good of the community but it shouldn’t come at a cost to residents near the road.”
Rowe Street resident Jozef Sowulawski, who has lived in his Hamlyn Heights home for about 23 years, said the traffic noise was often “unbearable”.
His property backs on to the bypass, with a walking track and a small reserve in between.
“It’s very noisy at all times of the day and night, especially with all of the trucks going by,” Mr Sowulawski said.
“I live with my son and family and we have bedrooms at the back of the home. It’s hard to sleep at night.”
Neighbour Frank Modica feared the bypass had devalued his property.
“I’m sure it’s made a difference,” he said.
“I’ve heard that real estate agents have said prices dropped $20,000 to $30,000 once the ring road was opened.
“It’s a big mistake putting the ring road so close to the homes. I hope something can be done to improve the noise but I think it’s too late.”
Mr Modica said sound barriers between homes and the bypass were meant to be two and a half metres high but the road had been built-up higher than its planned level, so the noise in his home was louder than predicted.
Mr Trezise said he had organised meetings with Vicroads and residents.
“I recognised the residents had genuine concerns,” he said.
“I think Vicroads understood their concerns and agreed to bring forward noise measurement testing, which was meant to happen 12 months after the ring road opened.”
Mr Trezise said Vicroads’ guidelines for noise limits were set above 63 decibels but the bypass traffic was currently emitting 55.
Residents believed the noise was over 55 decibels at times, he said.
“Vicroads is saying the noise falls well-below the threshold limit, so, as far as they’re concerned, they’ve fulfilled their requirement,” Mr Trezise said.
“But, in recognition of the resident’s concerns, Vicroads has agreed for an independent company to do the noise measurements and will assess the situation.”
Vicroads had not returned the Independent’s call for comment before the paper wenty to press.