Planned I-75 Expansion and Associated Noise Concerns
Written by Louis Tancredi, Engage Estero Communications Committee
The Estero Traffic Study results were presented at the recent Engage Estero meeting on March 26, 2025. You can find a copy of the presentation at https://esterotoday.com/event/mar2025/.
After the meeting, several residents expressed concerns over the planned expansion of I-75, which will include a fourth lane in the corridor from Corkscrew Road to Golden Gate Parkway in Naples. They were concerned about increased road and vehicle noise and its impact on their communities near the highway. These include Stoneybrook, Woodlands, Tidewater, Villagio, Villa Palmares, the section of Shadow Wood East of Three Oaks Parkway, Copperleaf, Lighthouse Bay, and Pebble Pointe.
The expansion of I-75 is scheduled to start in 2026 and is part of Florida’s Infrastructure Initiative program called Moving Florida Ahead. It includes several congestion relief projects throughout the state, as shown in the following chart.
Why is Noise Abatement Important?
Road traffic noise is a significant factor contributing to widespread public health issues. It contributes to the development of a diverse range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders1. Prolonged exposure to noise-induced stress results in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. In Europe, where the effect of long-term noise exposure has been examined in detail, the research has shown that it can lead to premature death and ischemic heart disease.
Furthermore, many experience chronic sleep disturbances. Investigations have also revealed that schoolchildren struggle with learning difficulties (European Environment Agency 2020)2. Given the noise’s negative impacts on a large portion of Europe’s population, environmental noise has become a significant concern for citizens and policymakers. Reducing noise is now a key objective under the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan and the Environmental Noise Directive.
Credit: FDOT Link to Project Page
Highway Noise Abatement Strategies
The following variables: traffic operations (speed, truck mix, age of vehicle fleet), roadway surface type, tire types, roadway geometrics, terrain, micrometeorology, and the geometry of area structures govern the intensity of roadway noise. Given that I-75 includes all these features, it is understandable that the public close to the highway has expressed grave concern about the likely impact on their quality of life!
Reducing highway noise for surrounding residential areas is a significant component of interstate highway construction. Some of the noise abatement solutions that have been implemented on our highways include:
Noise Barrier Walls
These are vertical structures made from various materials such as concrete, metal, wood, or recycled materials. Their effectiveness depends on their height, length, and material. Sound-absorptive materials are preferable to reflective ones since reflective ones can bounce noise. Noise Barrier Walls are a widespread solution for road noise abatement.
Noise Barrier Earth Berms
These mounds of earth block the line of sight between the highway and residences. They often blend well with the environment and can be combined with walls for increased effectiveness.
Noise Reducing Pavements
These are specialized asphalt or concrete mixes that reduce tire noise. These pavements can have porous surfaces that absorb sound. However, they have minimal application since the most critical characteristic of highway pavement is the coefficient of friction between it and tires to maximize safety (braking performance and skid avoidance, for example).
Other Possible Solutions
Landscaping and dense vegetation can absorb some noise; however, this is less effective than solid
Traffic management could be used to optimize traffic flow to reduce sudden
acceleration and braking, which contribute to noise. Regulated speed signs that can vary the speed of traffic are frequently utilized on busy highways in the UK and other European countries.
Increased use of electric vehicles could significantly reduce noise and pollution from combustion engines; however, this is not a near-term realistic
Other Considerations
The key factors that influence the effectiveness of these solutions include distance from the highway, terrain and topography, weather conditions, and the type and volume of traffic. By combining these strategies, highway construction projects can significantly reduce noise impact on surrounding communities. Communicating with residents about construction schedules and noise mitigation efforts can reduce their stress and concerns.
Summary
Staff at Florida’s Department of Transportation in Tallahassee and the Interstate Program Office in Bartow have been recently contacted by Engage Estero about this issue. It appears that a detailed and specified process has been used for years during the construction of interstate highways and associated noise abatement solutions.
However, we remain concerned that the engineers planning for the I-75 expansion will analyze the terrain and surrounding residential areas, identify the noise level requirements for those areas, model the expected noise levels from the expanded road, and plan the appropriate noise abatement solutions.
The Interstate Program Office has indicated that project documentation will be available in the July 2025 timeframe, and a public hearing will be scheduled around August 2025.
Engage Estero encourages all concerned to stay connected and provide your feedback, concerns, and comments to FDOT. You can contact them at: https://www.fdot.gov/info/ects/customer-service-portal
Engage Estero is taking proactive steps to consult with independent traffic experts, aiming to effectively influence and implement noise abatement procedures during the crucial I-75 expansion process. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the community’s quality of life by addressing potential noise disruptions.
By prioritizing expert advice, we can ensure that the expansion not only enhances transportation efficiency but also minimizes its impact on those living nearby. It’s essential that we work collaboratively to create solutions that benefit everyone, fostering a positive environment as development progresses and a future where growth and tranquility coexist harmoniously.
References.
Road traffic noise exposure and its impact on health: National Library of Medicine, Abstract, July 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11297122/
The European Environment Agency: “Noise” Modified Nov 2024. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/in-depth/noise
Image Credits.
Canva Pro
Florida Department of Transportation
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