What is the outlook of the City installing “Quiet Pavements”in the near future?
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently experimenting with two new types of quiet asphalt pavement in three locations. The first location was constructed in August 2006 along I-5 in Lynwood. The second location was constructed in Summer 2007 along SR 520 near Medina. The third location is scheduled to be constructed in 2009 along I-405 in Bellevue. Each test section will be studied for a minimum of 5 years before it is determined whether one or both of the new types of quiet pavement is a viable tool for reducing road noise while providing a durable and safe riding surface. More information on WSDOT’s test projects and quiet pavements can be found on their website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/QuieterPavement/Default.htm. At this time, preliminary results from the first two test sections are not favorable. Noise readings taken in March 2009 along both sections indicate the quiet pavement test sections are just as loud to the human ear as sections pave
