Loose Concrete Prompts Removal of Route 201 Noise Barriers in JC

Several see-through noise reduction panels have been taken down along a section of the Route 201 flyover in Johnson City.

The noise barriers were removed by crews last week over Boland Drive were removed by workers last week.

Noise barriers were being removed from Route 201 north of Chrisfield Avenue on January 26, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

According to the state Department of Transportation, loose concrete was observed during a routine inspection of the busy link between Vestal and Johnson City.

At this point, it's not clear whether the spalling of the concrete bridge siding that's occurred will lead to significant repair work.

Workers used a lift as they took down transparent acrylic panels from the Johnson City "flyover" bridge. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A DOT statement indicates the agency "is assessing the condition of the railings and noise barriers."

One northbound lane of the Route 201 bridge over the Susquehanna River was closed while the noise barriers were taken down over a period of about three days.

A view along Boland Drive under the Route 201 bridge in Johnson City. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The panels were installed in December 2005 as the "flyover" project was being created.

A woman who lives just east of the site told WNBF News on Thursday that she hadn't noticed any significant difference since the noise barriers were removed. She said the noise from the vehicles using Route 201 "doesn't seem to disrupt my sleep."

Two Rivers Church is located north of the site where the panels were taken down.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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