State Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, testified today before the House Transportation Committee in support of his bill, House Bill 4084, which addresses traffic noise in Michigan’s neighborhoods by establishing a statewide program to build and maintain sound walls.

“This bill gives us the tools to address the growing problem of road noise in our communities, and it creates a fair process to ensure relief reaches the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Robinson. “I’ve said it till I’m blue in the face: roads and infrastructure are my top priorities. But we can’t let other infrastructure needs, like noise abatement, go ignored just because we’re focused on fixing potholes.”

HB 4084 directs the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create and manage a dedicated noise abatement program. Under the proposal, MDOT could construct or repair sound walls directly or offer grants and loans to local road agencies to do the work themselves. Importantly, the program would not divert any existing infrastructure funding.

To determine which projects are prioritized, MDOT would establish a scoring system that considers several factors:

• The number of residents affected
• Current noise levels
• The anticipated reduction in noise (minimum of 5 decibels)
• Project readiness
• Cost-effectiveness

“This is about improving quality of life,” said Robinson. “We shouldn’t have to wait on the federal government or rely on special legislative favors to get these projects done. This bill is an investment in Michigan’s future. It puts us in the driver’s seat, ready to invest in the infrastructure that makes Michigan a better place to live.”