Residents demand action against rising truck traffic noise

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing concerns regarding heavy truck traffic in residential areas of Green Bay, particularly along North Broadway. The meeting highlighted the increasing frequency of large trucks passing through neighborhoods, which has led to complaints from residents about noise, dirt, and soot infiltrating their homes.

Tom Freeburg, the district supervisor, noted that a traffic study conducted in 2018 revealed a truck passing every three minutes on North Broadway, significantly impacting the quality of life for nearby residents. He emphasized that while residents were aware they lived on a truck route, the volume of traffic has escalated over the past decade, prompting calls for action.

The discussion also touched on alternative routes that could alleviate truck traffic in residential areas. Freeburg suggested that a route through Prairie and Hurlbut could help avoid residential neighborhoods and reduce congestion caused by trains. However, he acknowledged the challenges in redirecting truck traffic, as many drivers prefer the more direct routes despite the increased residential impact.

Officials explored the possibility of installing signage to guide truck drivers to less populated routes. However, they faced restrictions from the Department of Transportation (DOT), which controls signage on state highways and interchanges. Freeburg mentioned that while temporary signage could be installed during construction, the process is complicated and requires DOT approval.

Residents also raised concerns about noise pollution from compression braking, a common practice among truck drivers. While the city has implemented \"no compression braking\" signs at entry points, enforcement remains a challenge due to the lack of specific noise ordinances targeting this issue. Officials discussed the potential for additional signage in residential areas to address this problem, but acknowledged that enforcement would still rely on police discretion.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing struggle to balance the needs of residents with the realities of truck traffic in the area. Officials expressed a commitment to exploring solutions that could improve the situation for those living near busy truck routes.