Turcot construction vehicles feature quieter reverse sound

The ears of residents livingaround the Turcot construction zone will be getting a small reprieve.

They should hearthe piercingbeep emitted by construction vehicles and trucks as they reverse less often, because Quebec's Transport Ministry has launched a pilot project that will replace that beep with an ear-friendly "swooshing" noise.

The alert can be heard by construction workers but not by residents in the neighbourhood.

A quieter noise for reversing vehicles in Turcot construction zone

8 years ago

Duration 0:31

Transports Qubec spokesperson Sarah Bensadoun explains what noise the vehicles in the Turcot construction zone will make while reversing as part of a pilot project.

So far, 20 construction vehicles, which operate mostly at night, have had the new alarms installed.

"It's quieter for residents in the area, but still has an impact for the workers that are on the site," said Sarah Bensadoun, a spokesperson for Transports Qubec.

The project has the support of the province's workplace health and safety board.

"It was another kind of sound that was imported from Europe," said Jean-Franois Beaudry, chief inspector with the CNESST, adding it respects all the regulations in Quebec.

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Residents tired of the noise

Some residents have come forward in the past to say that they are fed up with the noise coming from the construction site.

Craig Sauv, the city councillor for part of the area affected by the construction, said he was happy the ministry launched the pilot project after hearing from residents.

"It does make a big difference," said Sauv. "I think the complaints of the citizens has really brought fruit on this situation."

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