Somerville To Examine Benefits Of I-93 Sound Walls

SOMERVILLE, MA – The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will conduct a Health Assessment Impact report on potential sound barriers near I-93, a consultant from the MAPC said at a community meeting Monday. According to the Somerville Journal, sound walls can reduce the negative health effects of living near a highway, such as asthma and other lung- and heart-related conditions.

The barriers redirect the air along the wall, altering the formation of particles and pushing them away from areas that could see the greatest impact of pollution. Residents shared possible solutions for mitigating pollution effects, such as looking at cases of asthma in children and teenagers, building barriers covered in vegetation to preserve green space and building walls near parks, fields and public housing, the Journal reported.

State representatives also said they are working to garner funds for clean air measures. Late last year the Massachusetts House of Representatives adopted an amendment filed by Rep. Mike Connolly and co-sponsored by Reps. Denise Provost and Christine Barber to secure $500,000 in bond funds to address I-93 air pollution in the city.

Read more from the Somerville Journal.

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