Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a difference do sound barriers make?
According the the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse and to the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, noise barriers can reduce highway traffic noise by 10 to 15 decibels, cutting the noise in half.
This reduction is only applicable to houses where the view of the highway is blocked by the barrier. The noise is not reduced in houses positioned where you can see over the wall, and the reduction in noise decreases the farther you are from the barrier.
Don't sound barriers just "push" the noise from the houses close to the highway to houses farther away?
No. The sound reflects back to its source (the vehicle), and continues to reflect between the highway traffic and the barrier until it dissipates.
How much of a noise reduction is required to be noticeable?
The human ear can detect very slight changes in noise level, so even small reductions are noticeable. For information on how sound is perceived and measured, see a report from the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse and a federal report about Highway Traffic Noise.
What parts of Wesport are on the State's priority list?
The state's 1995 report lists the following nine areas in Westport. Note that the report says that the locations are approximate, and that the actual wall to be constructed would be determined at the time plans for construction were established.
| Wesport Location (as described on state report) |
Recommended Wall Length | Priority Ranking on 1995 Statewide List |
| Jenny Lane | 3,800 feet | 65 |
| Ferry Land | 2,400 feet | 76 |
| Underhill Parkway | 1,200 feet | 86 |
| Hale Street | 1,900 feet | 88 |
| River Oaks Ext. | 1,400 feet | 110 |
| Greens Farms Road | 2,325 feet | 129 |
| Post Office Road | 1,600 feet | 165 |
| Indian Hill Road | 1,000 feet | 173 |
| Signal Road | 1,500 feet | 178 |