Noise barriers (bunds and walls) are probably the most widely recognised form of noise mitigation used for state highways.
Noise barriers need to be considered in the context of providing effective noise relief, while also addressing issues of appearance, urban design, site constraints, maintenance (including whole-of-life costs), safety, graffiti, cost (value-for-money) and sustainability. To this end, it is important that the increasing number of noise barriers being constructed for state highways should be built with a coherent, consistent approach, rather than ad hoc solutions to individual sites.
A range of resources are available to assist in the design of barriers.
Design guide
We have produced a State highway noise barrier design guide to aid our staff and contractors with the design, construction and maintenance of noise barriers. The guide seeks for noise barriers to be fit-for-purpose as noise control structures, while at the same time minimising their impacts on the immediate surroundings and the wider environment. Territorial Authorities may also find this guide useful in regards to noise barriers for local roads.
Case studies
Case studies on recent and proposed noise barriers are available to supplement those discussed in the design guide.
Specification
Our requirements for noise barriers are included in the P40 specification.
Cost calculator
We have prepared a simple calculator to assist our staff, consultants and contractors to estimate the costs of noise barriers.
Suppliers
A list of noise barrier suppliers is provided as a guide to the range of barrier types that are available.
Anti-graffiti coatings
Anti-graffiti coatings used on state highway noise barriers shall be chosen from the list of products approved by the AMA.
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz .