Native Grass, Noise Barriers Along Border

As a part of the Clear Path I-465 project, native grass seed was planted along the road embankment between the interstate and the park. A nice upgrade from the honeysuckle and other invasives that frequently grew there. In addition, more than 400 feet of Ashlar Block sound barrier was installed along the park’s northeastern boundary to reduce traffic noise for homes north of the nature park. 

Clear Path is an ambitious highway project that included lane additions along the border of Skiles Test Nature Park. The project intends to improve overall traffic operation by increasing capacity and reducing congestion. To comply with federally mandated regulations, Parsons, the engineering firm on the project, conducted a noise study in mid-July 2018 that measured decibel levels at various locations along the Skiles Test Trail that were 500 feet from the interstate. The reported decibel reading in the park was 59.2, with a weighted average of 57.9. Weighted decibel levels of 66 or greater warrant the consideration of a noise barrier.

Noise studies are concerned with the impact of traffic noise on areas of frequent human use. In 2018, daily park usage was much lower than it is today. (The noise study estimated daily use at 117 visitors). Since that time, improvements to the park, including an extended paved trail and the opening of the north entrance at 65th Street, have significantly increased the number of people who frequent the park. 

 In 2024, the Friends of Skiles Test Nature Park reached out to Parsons and asked if the barrier could be extended to cover the length of the prairie trail that ran adjacent to the interstate. Unfortunately, because the noise study had been completed and the interstate project was well underway, the sound barrier could not be extended.