South Coast Rail: There's a program to provide noise-mitigation to affected homes

Frank Mulligan, Standard-Times
·2 min read

NEW BEDFORD - Noise mitigation to neighboring homes was factored into the MBTA South Coast Rail Project from its early stages.

Now that commuter rail service is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, the noise mitigation program offered to affected homeowners is underway.

Potentially eligible dwellings were identified under federal guidelines along the route in a 2013 environmental impact study that measured noise impact. They included 12 in New Bedford, 53 in Fall River, 25 in Freetown, eight in Lakeville, 14 in Berkley, 23 in Taunton, 23 in Raynham, 56 in Easton and 21 in Stoughton.

An MBTA FAQ includes the following information:

Is my home eligible?

Property owners identified in the 2013 study will be contacted in writing when their properties are eligible to participate.

Noise mitigation to neighboring homes was part of the MBTA South Coast Rail Project; affected homeowners will be contacted with options. IN this Herald News file photo, a train rolls into the newly completed Freetown Station stop of the South Coast Rail during the ribbon cutting Monday, Dec. 5.
Noise mitigation to neighboring homes was part of the MBTA South Coast Rail Project; affected homeowners will be contacted with options. IN this Herald News file photo, a train rolls into the newly completed Freetown Station stop of the South Coast Rail during the ribbon cutting Monday, Dec. 5.

How much money is available?

Affected homes are eligible to receive funding of up to $30,000 per dwelling unit. A single-family home is considered one dwelling unit, while a dwelling with four apartments would be considered four units.

TRANSPORTATION: South Coast Rail project chugging along in New Bedford — here's what to expect in 2023

What are the mitigation options?

They may include sound insulation treatments to the home; noise-wall installations on the property; interior air-conditioning installation allowing homeowner to keep windows and doors closed during the summer; installation of landscaping or fencing.

How does the program work?

Property owners will be contacted and a visit will be scheduled to provide program information and document existing conditions.

What are the homeowners responsibilities?

They include obtaining three estimates to perform the work, and hiring the contractor. There are no preferred vendors, though the MBTA said a vendor was incorrectly identified as such in a recent commercial mailer.

When is payment made?

The MBTA will pay half the bid amount in advance once an agreement is signed, and will make the remaining payment when the work is completed as outlined.

Is program participation mandatory?

No. It is voluntary.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: MBTA South Coast Rail providing noise-mitigation to affected homes