Confronting Interstate 93: Somerville Noise Barrier Reports

When I-93 was built in the 1970s the state was supposed to build noise barriers to reduce noise for people living near the highway. It Never Happened. Today, many Somerville residents still face potential health risks because they live near I-93 and are exposed to high noise and air pollution levels. Research shows that noise barriers reduce noise pollution and also can reduce exposure to near roadway air pollution from traffic. If designed properly, noise barriers can provide additional benefits such as improved appearances, enhanced community livability, introduction of or increase in roadside vegetation.

• Executive Summary (PDF)

• Interactive Story Map

Additional files and documents

• Translating Near Highway Research Into Action in Somerville, MA

• Translating Near Highway Research Into Action in Somerville, MA (poster)

• Background and Existing conditions

• Risk Analysis and Estimates

• Charrette report: Foss Park stand alone

• Noise barriers in other near highway communities vs. Somerville

• Hearing the Highway: Suitable Sites for Noise Barriers in Massachusetts (poster)

• WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD NOISE Estimating Population Impacted by Excessive Noise Along I-93 (poster)

• Air Quality at Foss Park, Somerville, MA

Primary Reports