Universal to add sound barriers for new 'Fast and Furious' coaster after complaints from neighbors
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (KABC) -- Universal Studios Hollywood has heard the complaints from its neighbors about excessive screaming coming from riders testing the theme park's newest ride.
An L.A. City Councilmember announced that Universal plans to install additional sound barriers around its new, high-speed outdoor roller coaster, "Fast & Furious": Hollywood Drift.
The ride is only in a "soft open" phase with technical rehearsals underway for now, but it's already drawn numerous complaints from people living in the Toluca Lake neighborhood around the theme park. Universal has yet to announce an official opening date for the attraction.
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Neighbors say the sound of riders' screams is very loud. They say the coaster's operations weren't noticeably loud until the park started letting guests ride.
In a post on social media, L.A. City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian said that while recent sound testing has met the park's requirements, Universal will still install two additional sound barriers to help reduce noise. Nazarian said the construction is expected to be completed by early next month.
In a statement to Eyewitness News, Nazarian's office noted that the theme park is not within the city limits, so the City Council has no direct authority over its activities. Still, Nazarian has been advocating for the L.A. residents in the surrounding community.
Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the plan to install the sound barriers in a statement to the L.A. Times, writing, "We appreciate the community's input and will continue to engage with our neighbors as the coaster remains in technical rehearsals ahead of its opening."
