A number of recommendations have been made to reduce noise levels on a major local road.
The issue came before yesterday's meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District
District members were presented with the findings of a traffic noise monitoring survey on the N6 Athlone Relief Road commissioned by Westmeath County Council.
Noise measurements were taken between the 17th and 26th of January this year at a number of locations along the route, including Priory Park, Arcadia Court, and Bloomfield Drive.
The survey found that day and night noise levels were all above both the TII design level of 60 decibels during the day, and the WHO recommended night-time limit of 55 decibels.
The highest day and night readings were recorded at Cloghanboy close, at 75 decibels and 65 decibels respectively.
The report recommends that a speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h be introduced.
This would result in a 1.7 decibel reduction in noise levels.
Also recommended is the construction of 4 metre high noise reduction barriers in areas where the levels are above 70 decibels, resulting in an average reduction of 9 decibels.
These have been recommended for 6 locations at a total length of just over 3,600 metres.
The next steps involve sourcing funding and a feasibility study which would include detailed maps and a total cost to implement the changes
