Glass roof over freeway sections cuts noise and pollution

VIANEN – Dutch developers have discovered a new way of moving housing closer to the country’s freeways: cover them with a glass roof. Researchers have been working at models for greater environment-friendly alternatives to the numerous noise barriers tourist will notice along the freeways. Placing a roof over a freeway section is far more economical than building tunnels and allows the authorities also to suck up fine dust particles while reducing noise levels significantly. Also being explored is the possibility of adding solar panels to the glass roof for electricity production. While the concept seems very inviting, further study is still required to determine economic viability. A section of the A27 near Vianen, with development opportunities, has been identified as a potential site for the glass roof.