May 22, 2013
The Piscataqua River Bridge is a 40-year-old structure connecting Portsmouth, NH, and Kittery, ME, with six lanes of traffic along Interstate 95 — the busiest roadway between the two states. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation needed a lightweight, durable sound barrier mounted to cast-in-place traffic barriers on one side of the bridge. The sound barrier is necessary to reduce the ever increasing traffic noise imposed on the Atlantic Heights neighborhood below.
The bridge was limited to the weight that could be added, so our PVC Tuf-Barrier (Reflective) Sound Wall System fit the bill perfectly. Requiring very little maintenance, Tuf-Barrier is strong — wind load tested up to +140 mph (+225 kph).
AIL Sound Walls noise abatement walls reduce traffic noise
The AIL Sound Walls team took the lead, providing a complete sound barrier system. As part of the project, the contractor needed to demolish and replace the existing guardrail and adjacent deck. The new barrier was cast in place, complete with our anchors which are designed to accept our pre-drilled post assemblies.
Continuous communication with R.M. Piper, the contractor on the project, was key to ensuring we were in step with changing field conditions and all materials were delivered in the proper order. The pre-drilled post assemblies aligned perfectly, tightly clamping in the sound barrier against potential hurricane force winds.
Easy to install in a tight space with limited lifting equipment
The lightweight modular nature of AIL Sound Walls was perfect for this restricted job site, as the components are hand-assembled with only limited use of light equipment.
Post-project contact with the contractor has been very positive, with feedback that the local residents are reporting a substantial noise reduction.
