Mayors demand noise measurements: A49 brings dispute over peace!

Mayors demand noise measurements: A49 brings dispute over peace!

In the Hesse region it's all about road noise, which has noticeably increased in recent months following the opening of a section of the A49 between Schwalmstadt and Homberg (Ohm). The mayors of Schwalmstadt, Tobias Kreuter, and Neustadt, Thomas Groll, are concerned about the increasing noise pollution and are asking Autobahn GmbH to comprehensively monitor the situation. This reported, among other things FFH.

Autobahn GmbH, responsible for operating the A49, has taken the concerns of residents seriously. While the mayors emphasize the positive aspects of the motorway expansion, such as the reduction in truck traffic in the local areas and better accessibility to Frankfurt am Main and Kassel, many residents in Neustadt, Momberg, Florshain, Wiera and Frankenhain complain about increasing noise pollution. “There is something going on,” say Groll and Kreuter, who suggest an on-site appointment to check the noise measurements on site and, if necessary, take further steps.

Conflicting opinions among residents

The opening of the A49 section in March divided the minds of local residents. Some see the new road as an enrichment for their quality of life, while others see the developments as a threat to their existence. Citizens' initiatives in Edermünde have already set up a noise measuring device and initial results show that noise pollution, especially at night, has increased by around three decibels. These temperature-dependent fluctuations cannot be overlooked, and the findings are shared by many of those affected, such as Hesse show reported.

In order to counteract this trend, the initiatives urgently call for better noise protection measures. This includes increasing existing noise barriers and traffic calming measures such as speed limits. It is currently estimated that the A49 has around 15,000 more vehicles per day, while some citizens' initiatives speak of up to 25,000 vehicles. Autobahn GmbH, on the other hand, explains that the noise must be calculated in accordance with legal guidelines and not measured. The company is therefore planning further calculations by the end of the year to determine the relevant averaging level.

A call to action

Mayors Kreuter and Groll emphasize how important it is to act quickly. They want to prevent future complaints from residents and are committed to reviewing the noise levels set in the planning approval. “We take the concerns of the citizens seriously,” said Kreuter, and both mayors hope that the concern will also find open ears at Autobahn GmbH. The situation requires quick and decisive action to ensure the well-being of local residents.

In summary, it can be said that the discussion surrounding the A49 and the associated noise pollution shows an urgent need for action. The next steps by Autobahn GmbH and those responsible on site will show how this situation can be mastered. It will be exciting to see how the discussions and measures develop.