Turcot construction vehicles feature quieter reverse sound

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

They should hear the piercing beep 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 Québec 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 Québec.

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-François Beaudry, chief inspector with the CNESST, adding it respects all the regulations in Quebec.

• Turcot construction noise keeping Saint-Henri residents up at night

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 Sauvé, 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 Sauvé. "I think the complaints of the citizens has really brought fruit on this situation."

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