The agency that manages the Dulles Toll Road and the Metrorail project running along it is proposing a compromise with surrounding neighborhoods to cut noise coming off the busy highway.
Community groups in the western Fairfax County corridor have long demanded sound walls to separate their neighborhoods from the rumbling traffic and — eventually — screeching Metro trains. They and local officials, including the county’s congressional delegation, are trying to convince Metro and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates the toll road, to install the barriers.
Under the proposal by the airports authority, a neighborhood could qualify for a sound wall if the structure would cut noise by at least 5 decibels and cost no more than $40,000 per house it benefits, among other criteria.
The Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority will hold a public meeting on the noise policy:
When: June 10, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Langston Hughes Middle School, 11401 Ridge Heights Road, Reston
Fairfax County is in the midst of heavy construction turmoil with simultaneous work on the rail extension and high occupancy toll lanes on the Capital Beltway.
“There are some definite improvements with both of those projects, but there are also some costs to the neighborhoods,” said Rob Jackson, president of the McLean Citizens Association. “They are going to generate a lot more noise, you are going to have a lot more traffic on the Beltway, you are going to have a lot more riders on the rail, and the rail is rather noisy.”
The airports authority released a draft plan that sets forth criteria for both “feasibility” and “reasonableness” to determine what areas could receive sound protection. A sound wall, according to the proposal, would need to cut traffic noise by at least 5 decibels, not restrict walkways or road access, not cost more than $40,000 per affected property, and be approved by neighbors, among other criteria.
That 5 decibel criteria is “significantly higher” than Fairfax County’s own guidelines, said Supervisor John Foust, who represents the Dranesville District.
“I would like to see it lower,” Foust said.
Fears of increased noise from the rail project have persisted for years. One community, Hallcrest Heights in McLean, has successfully lobbied on its own for sound walls.
Jackson said he would like to see Tysons Corner landowners who would benefit from proximity to the new rail line contribute financially to the noise protection.
