New Sound Barrier Going Up Along I-93 in Medford

A sound barrier is going up along I-93 in Medford, and some of the highway's neighbors have been waiting a long time for a little quiet.

For the last 10 years, State Rep. Paul Donato has heard complaints from residents near the highway in Medford, some with the highway practically in their backyard. Some have been seeking a sound barrier for over 25 years, Donato said Thursday.

"It was something they felt should have been done when 93 was built back in the 60s," Donato said.

Crews began installing the barrier in the fall and aim to have them finished by Spring, Donato said.

Sound barriers are always placed on the bottom of the list for state transportation funding, and getting federal money for them is no easy task either, Donato said. But the "Fast14" bridge construction project offered an opportunity.

After speaking with Donato before the Fast14 project began, Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan agreed that if the project came in under bid, he would use the remaining money on a barrier. It came in under bid, and the state will now spend about $2 million on the wall, Donato said.

"The Fast14 was the catalyst to get it done," Donato said.

The barrier, which is being installed by contractor J.F. White, will run from north of Cypress Road to the Salem Street Rotary.