The rambling vines on the noise-reducing walls

Beauty isn’t always in the eyes of the beholder—sometimes it’s in the ears.

And that’s why homeowners along Interstate 12 cheered when the state installed noise-reducing walls along the busy freeway that rid the neighborhoods of much of the noise.

But the tall, stark walls didn’t stay that way for long. Today they are bedecked in foliage in the form of rambling vines.

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, they are flowering fig and cat’s claws vines, and workers planted them to “soften the appearance of the concrete” and “provide green space.”

Some Baton Rougeans aren’t such big fans. One reader who alerted us to the vines said, “They look more like weeds.”

Do you think the vines complement the visually imposing but effective noise-reducing walls? Join the conversation and post your comments below.