Port Adelaide Enfield Council look at ripping up cobblestone road in Lightsview because of noise
UP TO $70,000 may be spent ripping up a 50m stretch of cobblestone road in an inner northern suburb because the noise from vehicles driving over it is frustrating residents.
UP TO $70,000 may be spent ripping up a 50m stretch of cobblestone road in Lightsview because the noise from vehicles driving over is frustrating residents.
Residents along The Strand, where two sections of cobblestones were installed six years ago to slow down traffic, say the rumblings wake them up in the middle of the night, while another described the vibrations as a “mini-earthquake”.
Another family said they had to watch TV with a high volume because the noise was cutting through their home and they had been pleading for years with Port Adelaide Enfield Council to fix the problem.
A report tabled at a council meeting last month found fixing the issue would cost up to $70,000 to replace the surface with bitumen.
It also found speed limiting devices may need to be installed, such as a roundabout which could cost about $60,000.
If the council decided to replace the cobblestones, the project would be funded in the 2016/17 budget.
The Strand resident Tauhid Khan said he could feel his two-storey house shaking when cars drove over the cobblestone.
“We can feel it vibrating, even when we are outside and upstairs,” Mr Khan said.
“It’s like a minor earthquake.”
Daniel Smith said he had been “in and out of council” for two years trying to get the road fixed.
“When we moved in 2009 there was no cobblestone there, it was just concrete, and then they laid them towards the end of the year,” Mr Smith said.
“If I had known that would be the case, we wouldn’t have bought a block there.
“If it’s a nice cool night and we’ve got the windows open it’s pretty loud and the sound blocks out the TV.”
City View Apartments, on the eastern side of The Strand, presiding officer and resident Kathy Sampson said it was “very annoying” when buses travelled over the cobblestone.
She said other residents had also raised the issue with her.
“At two or three in the morning it’s very loud because it’s so quiet in the area.”
Ivy Chen said the noise was a nuisance and would wake her up during the night.
In September 2014, Councillor Anne-Marie Hubycz asked the council to investigate the issue after receiving complaints from residents.
At last month’s meeting, council staff recommended replacing the cobblestone with a “stamped bitumen”, which gives the appearance and texture of a paved brick road with the durability of asphalt.
Cr Hubycz told the City North Messenger she was unsure how much noise that style of pavement would create and said it was important to consult residents before making a change.
According to a council report, Lightsview developers originally proposed to install a blister island — a small median strip designed to slow motorists down — but the road was too narrow and laid cobblestone instead.
Lightsview developers CIC said the roads were built as required by the council.
Port Adelaide Enfield technical services acting director Robert Tiggemann said the council and developers agreed to install the cobblestones rather than amend land divisions and block sizes.
“The cobblestones were a known, proven device that provides traffic calming,” Mr Tiggemann said.
“Acoustic testing confirmed that the noise level of traffic travelling over the cobblestones is within EPA guidelines and Australian Standards however due to ongoing concerns of the noise levels by local residents, the council have resolved to consider other options.”
The council voted for its administration to consult residents on solutions.
A report is due back to the council by April.
