Shelby Review

Rep. Ron Robinson of Utica has garnered bipartisan backing from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for a proposal targeting traffic noise reduction in Michigan communities. The Michigan lawmaker emphasized the need for residents to enjoy their neighborhoods without enduring ongoing highway noise disruptions.

“People shouldn’t have to choose between living in a great neighborhood and putting up with constant highway noise,” Robinson stated. He views the proposal as a fundamental element in Michigan's broader infrastructure strategy, enhancing the quality of life and ensuring forward-thinking development.

House Bill 4084 is designed to empower the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to oversee a statewide noise abatement initiative. This initiative would allow the department to either construct or repair sound barriers or award grants and loans to local road agencies. The prioritization of projects would rely on a scoring system. This system evaluates factors such as the number of residents impacted, current noise levels, anticipated noise reduction of at least five decibels, project preparedness, and cost efficiency.

“This bill recognizes that infrastructure is about more than just pavement,” Robinson explained. “It’s also about the people who live around it. By giving communities the tools they need to manage noise, we are making our neighborhoods quieter and happier.”

HB 4084 marks a step forward in reducing noise pollution and improving living conditions in Michigan.