The train horn chronicles have got me thinking about sources of noise generally in St. Albert.

I admit the train horns take a bit of getting used to, especially at 4 a.m., but I don’t think they are the worst offender. The good citizens of Akinsdale and Heritage Lakes are now dealing with the Anthony Henday – visible directly from their homes, which means the noise can reach them with perfect clarity. I think the city and/or or the province owes these residents a berm and trees or a substantial concrete barrier. These neighbourhoods were built before the Henday was a sketch on some transportation planner’s dinner napkin.

The Ray Gibbon Drive extension may present a similar challenge for the residents of North Ridge, which the city also needs to properly address. In the meantime, the city should act to restrict heavy truck traffic along Hogan Road, which is commonly used as a shortcut for trucks from Highway 2 to the Anthony Henday.

Once an effective bypass is in place for Highway 2, the city could opt to restrict heavy truck traffic on St. Albert Trail, which would help with both noise and traffic congestion. Maybe a truck restriction won’t even be necessary, given the number of traffic lights already in place.

Of course, if Albertans really want to get serious about noise, a periodic vehicle safety inspection verifying that a reasonable muffler is present, would also help.

Gordon Coulman, St. Albert

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