Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, secured bipartisan support in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today for his plan to crack down on traffic noise in Michigan communities.

“People shouldn’t have to choose between living in a great neighborhood and putting up with constant highway noise,” Robinson said. “Michigan needs a wholistic approach to infrastructure and this bill is an important first step toward that goal. It’s a win for families, neighborhoods, and long-term infrastructure planning.”

HB 4084 directs the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create and manage a statewide noise abatement program. The department would be able to construct or repair sound walls directly or provide grants and loans to local road agencies. To prioritize projects, MDOT would use a scoring system based on several factors, including the number of residents affected, existing noise levels, the expected noise reduction (at least 5 decibels), project readiness, and overall cost-effectiveness.

“This bill recognizes that infrastructure is about more than just pavement,” Robinson said. “It’s also about the people who live around it. By giving communities the tools they need to manage noise, we are making our neighborhoods quieter and happier.”