The construction and operation of the Norwich Western Link Road is expected to have a significant impact on the surrounding community, particularly the villages of Ringland and Weston Longville, which are situated very close to the scheme's boundary.
The noise generated will cause a serious nuisance to the homeowners in the area, impacting their quality of life.
While noise from traffic is already a significant source of noise nuisance, the issue is compounded by the elevated viaduct that will if built connect the A47 to the western end of Broadland Northway. This viaduct will significantly amplify the noise generated by the cars and trucks that will use the road.
The noise generated is not just a mere inconvenience to the residents of affected communities ; it is also a serious health hazard. Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can cause stress symptoms, diseases, and even premature death. Exposure to a 10-decibel higher noise level at home could increase the risk of high blood pressure, blood clots in the heart, strokes, diabetes, and heart flickering.
A study conducted in 2019 found that living near a noisy road was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. The study analysed data from over 6 million adults in Canada and found that those who lived near a major road were 7% more likely to develop dementia.
Furthermore, construction is likely to create noise levels that exceed the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO recommends a maximum noise level of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. However, the noise levels generated by the road construction are expected to be in excess of 70 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night, which can cause a serious nuisance to the surrounding communities.
It is essential to note that this impact on health is not a new phenomenon. As far back as 2003, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 200-500 people die prematurely every year due to exposure to traffic noise. These numbers could be much higher, given that recent research has continued to uncover the negative effects of prolonged exposure to noise.
Norfolk County Council must take these concerns seriously and be transparent in their communication with the public, informing them of the potential noise nuisance and how to protect themselves from prolonged exposure to noise pollution.
Another essential factor to consider is the impact that noise pollution from the road's construction and operation could have on property values in the impacted area. Homeowners may experience a reduction in their property values due to the higher levels of noise generated by the road. This, in turn, could have an impact on their financial well-being, which is yet another reason why the County Council must take these concerns seriously.
In conclusion, the construction and operation of the Norwich Western Link Road is expected to generate a significant amount of noise that could cause a serious nuisance to the surrounding communities. This noise will not just present an inconvenience but also a major health hazard.