The Kansas Department of Transportation will hold an in-person meeting next month for the public to learn and ask questions about potential noise wall locations as part of the South Lawrence Trafficway Expansion Project.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Southwest Middle School, 2511 Inverness Drive, according to a news release Tuesday from KDOT.

In 2022, KDOT updated its traffic noise policy and reevaluated the SLT west section project for noise walls. The updated noise study determined locations where noise walls are considered preliminarily feasible and reasonable, the release said.

Individuals at locations identified as benefitted receptors have been notified about the upcoming meeting. A benefitted receptor is a location that would receive at least a 5 decibel reduction in noise levels during the loudest hour through construction of a noise wall. Individuals identified as benefitted receptors are eligible to vote for or against building the noise wall near their location. It will only be constructed if a majority of the eligible votes received are “for” building the noise wall as part of the upcoming SLT construction project. More than 50% of the votes must be returned to base the decision on the votes received.

A 20-minute recorded presentation will run continuously at the meeting, and project team members will be available to discuss specific properties, the release said. Ballots for benefitted receptors can be cast during the meeting, mailed afterward or sent via email. The meeting is open to everyone, but only people with properties identified as benefitted receptors can vote on the noise wall construction.

To participate in the virtual meeting or for ongoing SLT project updates, visit www.slt-ks.org. A virtual meeting component will be available until Feb. 17 and will include the recorded presentation and an interactive map of the study area. Submit comments/ballots to: info@slt-ks.com.