Danish road authority rejects noise barriers for motorway residents despite health concerns

Residents in Støvring, northern Denmark, will not receive noise protection along the E45 motorway despite complaints of rising traffic noise, the Danish Road Directorate has ruled, citing official measurements that fall below the 65-decibel threshold required for intervention.

The decision comes after Rebild Municipality, acting on behalf of four homeowners’ associations, requested barriers to shield homes from what locals describe as relentless noise—particularly from heavy trucks and electric vehicles. Steen Nyby, chair of the Stensgaarden Homeowners’ Association, told DR that noise levels now exceed 68 decibels near the busiest sections, far above the directorate’s recorded figures.

“This isn’t just annoying—it’s making people sick,” Nyby said, pointing to the constant hum of traffic, day and night. He attributed the increase to heavier electric vehicles with wider tires, which generate more friction on the asphalt, and a steady rise in freight traffic since the motorway opened in 1992.

Rebild’s municipal council supports the residents’ push for barriers, but its hands are tied, according to Anna Oosterhof, chair of the planning, climate, and environment committee. “The Road Directorate holds the authority here,” she said. “If they determine Støvring doesn’t meet the criteria, there’s little we can do.”

Not all local politicians accept the ruling. Councillor Bjarne Laustsen (Social Democrats) has called for the issue to be raised at the next council meeting, urging fresh noise measurements and direct appeals to Transport Minister Signe Munk and the national transport committee. “We owe it to these residents to challenge this,” he said.

The Road Directorate confirmed to DR that updated noise mapping is planned for 2028. If future measurements exceed 65 decibels, Støvring could qualify for barriers under a new action plan.