Line-of-Sight Wall versus Conventional Noise Wall for Traffic Noise Abatement: Field Performance Comparison

The constructed cost of conventional noise walls is about $2 million per linear mile. In many areas, the cost-effectiveness criteria of $25,000 per benefited receiver are exceeded so that these areas are not eligible for federal-aid funding for noise abatement. Consequently, the residents in these areas are dissatisfied that no noise reduction measures are provided to them. To address these issues, the Indiana Department of Transportation evaluated the line of sight (LOS) wall to improve customer satisfaction at a less expensive cost. Three different LOS walls were installed and compared with the conventional concrete noise wall. Such information will be useful to state departments of transportation not only to develop specifications for LOS walls, but also to upgrade their traffic noise policy to improve customer services. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.