February 27, 2015

Bolinsky Asks for Highway Signs to Reduce Noisy Truck Engine Braking

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In response to area Sandy Hook neighbors’ complaints, State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) proposed legislation is to provide the Department of Transportation with an option to alleviate a noise and vibration problem for state residents.

The legislation, HB 5940, An Act Concerning Signs Prohibiting “Jake-Braking” would permit the placement of yellow, warning signs that display a message such as “Residential Area – Do Not Engine Brake”, “Compression-Brake” or another equivalent message in downhill stretches of interstate or state highways where the roadway is in close proximity to densely-settled neighborhoods and where over-the-road trucks have historically employed such intrusive, noisy engine braking methods.

“Jake-Braking” is a common transportation term for the use of a supplemental brake retarder or “engine-brake” to slow trucks without or before actuation of their primary air-brake systems. “Jake Brake” is a genericized trademark of Jacobs Vehicle Systems, used to describe many such truck braking systems. These systems make a distinctive staccato sound, which can be quite loud and accompanied by heavy compression-wave vibrations.

Sandy Hook residents Gary & Peggy Fillion submitted testimony supporting Rep. Bolinsky’s bill. The Fillions testified that due to the lack of erected sound barriers the ‘engine-braking’ on I-84 is exacerbated. Permitting the DOT to have warning signs would alert truckers to be more considerate and warn them to go slower from the start.

“Many residents in my district have contacted me with concerns about discouraging unnecessary use of these noisy systems, especially during the morning and evening hours, when their use is likely to negatively affect residents’ sleep and quality of life said,” Rep. Bolinsky.

“Placement of yellow, warning signs, as described earlier in downhill stretches of interstate or state highways, where, as determined by DOT, residents and municipal representatives, they’re agreed upon to be an appropriate solution to this problem, is appropriate, said Rep. Bolinsky. “My proposal’s goal is to hopefully provide some measure of sound control and quality of life improvement residents all around our great state.”

Such ‘Jake’ and ‘Engine Compression Break’ warning signs are currently in-use in other nearby states but not in Connecticut. “Jake Brake” is a genericized trademark used to describe many such truck compression brake systems.