Noise Barrier Walls...Help Or Hurt

In case you haven't noticed, noise barrier walls now surround many sections of the Zoo Interchange project. The 24-foot structure can be seen all across Milwaukee, Tosa, and West Allis.

Before they can be constructed, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation first has to do a thorough study in addition to receive public input.

And even though the intent is to cut down noise by 20 to 30 decibels, some see it more as a deterrent than a help. They say there's nothing nice about it.  They believe trees and grass have been removed.  All for the sake of concrete.  However, many we spoke with tell us they feel better protected from the sound. 

Project engineers say people who typically live within 500 feet of the wall have the greatest say as to how it will be built.