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Albany planners discuss engine-brake noise, 50 mph limit and traffic-calming options on Route 16
Summary
Residents and board members at the Aug. 11 Albany Planning Board meeting raised engine-brake noise and safety concerns on Route 16 and discussed options including sound ordinances, flashing radar signs, speed bumps, and roadway design changes; the board asked to gather more information.
At its Aug. 11 meeting the Albany Planning Board heard residents and members discuss engine-brake noise and the posted 50 mph speed limit on Route 16 and reviewed local traffic-calming options.
A committee member said the state communicated that engine brakes are considered a safety feature on vehicles and that the state would not prohibit their use; the member suggested local responses such as a sound ordinance that limits decibel levels, flashing speed-feedback signs, speed bumps, or altering roadway geometry to slow traffic. The member described one town’s approach of changing road geometry to physically prevent tractor-trailer traffic.
Planning board member Amalia Jarvis described how the noise affects nearby homes: “I hope that doesn't happen because, I mean, then my house will be very, very noisy.” Other participants said traffic studies using anonymized phone data showed drivers often slow before certain areas and that engineering changes intended to widen and straighten a road could unintentionally increase speeds.
Board members discussed options for follow-up, including asking staff to learn how other towns have used flashing radar signs and whether a local sound ordinance could be drafted. No formal ordinance, vote, or enforcement action was taken; the board agreed to continue investigating potential measures and to invite more information from staff or the state on next steps.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:51 p.m.
