A close vote that narrowly gave the state Department of Transportation approval to put up a noise wall along I-277 is now under review.
The state DOT has hired a consultant to validate the 136 ballots concerning two proposed noise abatement walls near uptown. One section, which would be adjacent to the Fourth Ward, was approved by just six votes. A group of concerned residents and some city council members point out that the postal service returned 10 ballots undelivered, enough to sway the vote in either direction. The noise walls would be up to 22 feet tall. Some residents and city leaders are concerned the walls would block views of the uptown skyline. These walls are proposed as part of the project to widen I-77. Federal regulations require the state to ask people who live or own property near proposed noise walls to vote on whether or not to build them. The state hasn’t said how long it will take to complete the review.
