Warsaw. Compensation for noise on S8

In mid-September last year, councilors of the Masovian Voivodeship Assembly decided that residents of three blocks of flats in the area of ​​Klaudyna and Gwiaździsta streets can apply for compensation. When the S8 route was being built, it was decided that the residents of nearby apartment blocks would be effectively protected from noise by glass tunnels. Years later, it turned out that this solution was not enough. We asked the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways whether residents take advantage of the opportunity to apply for compensation.

Małgorzata Tarnowska, spokeswoman for the Warsaw branch of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, informed that road engineers have so far received four applications from residents.

– One of the applicants wants payment of funds for the installation of windows with a higher degree of acoustic insulation, and another wants compensation for excessive noise from the S8 expressway. The next ones concern the implementation of additional acoustic protection on the S8 route and the replacement of windows in the building at Gwiaździsta Street, as well as the construction of a balcony and the replacement of external blinds, the spokeswoman said.

She specified that the compensation would include “reimbursement of costs incurred for work performed to restore the proper acoustic climate in residential rooms.” – In the event of exceeding the applicable noise standards in the room, documented by tests carried out by an entity with appropriate accreditation – reminded Małgorzata Tarnowska.

Road workers also informed the applicants that the basis for paying compensation is “attaching documentation confirming the need to carry out work to ensure the proper acoustic climate in the rooms along with presenting the costs incurred.”

The environmental protection committee issued a positive opinion on the draft resolution of the regional council on the creation of a limited use area for the S8 expressway in the area of ​​Klaudyna and Gwiaździsta streets. Previously, a post-implementation analysis (documentation prepared after the completion of an investment that may have a significant impact on the environment) was carried out here.

Results? According to experts, the technical solutions introduced on the section of S8 from the Powązkowska junction to the Marki junction are not able to effectively protect the residents of three blocks of flats against noise. According to the Marshal's Office, significant exceedances of standards concern three addresses: Klaudyna 4 and 6 and Gwiaździsta 15A.

It was decided to create a “limited use area” in this place. Hospitals, social welfare homes and buildings related to the permanent or temporary stay of children and young people cannot be built in such a place. In turn, residents can apply for compensation.

The procedure is as follows: residents of properties covered by the restricted use area may individually submit applications to the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways. They have two years to do so from the date of adoption of the local council's resolution on this matter.