The new N69 connection was opened in the autumn of 2021. Not long afterwards, the province received the first complaints from local residents in the municipalities of Bergeijk and Valkenswaard. The province immediately started working on these complaints. For example, the noise level along the road was measured all year round in 2023. This showed that the noise level at two locations in Dommelen was higher than previously calculated by the province.
“We try to approximate reality as closely as possible with our models,” says Mobility Deputy Stijn Smeulders. “But in this case, unfortunately, there appears to be more inconvenience after the construction of the N69 than we had calculated in advance. As a reliable government, you must attach consequences to this. That is why we are now introducing additional measures that will greatly reduce complaints from the neighborhood. This time not based on models, but on measurements.” In short, this concerns the following measures:
Against noise pollution:
- The road markings will be addressed over the entire length of the road. That makes a difference of 3 to 4 dB at the source. This will already happen next summer.
- Noise barriers of approximately 2 meters high will be installed at the Locht, Victoriedijk exit and Broekhovenseweg.
- A noise barrier will be installed at the Victoriedijk, the connection to the N397 and the entrances and exits.
- A green noise barrier of approximately 1 meter high will be installed along Dommelen and near the Broekhovenseweg.
Against light pollution:
- A total of 3,200 trees will be planted on two plots owned by the municipality of Bergeijk.
- Trees and other vegetation are planted on the territory of the province along the N69.
- Low screens in green areas will also contribute to reducing light and visibility nuisance.
After taking these measures, the province complies with the Standard Values as set out in the Environmental Act at every location along the N69. These measures not only took into account the complaints of local residents, but also road safety, integration into the environment, reusability, implementation speed and costs.
The province’s draft design will be developed into a final design in the coming weeks and months. When it is ready, it will be shared with all residents and parties involved. An information evening will be organized for this purpose before the summer holidays. The province wants to start the tender for the measures in the fourth quarter of 2024.
