Open-graded asphalt pavements, like those used on I-5, SR 520, and I-405 have been consistently measured as the “quietest” pavements in other parts of the world. WSDOT has begun to investigate pavement grinding options to reduce the noise on older concrete pavements. The newest of these grinding methods, the Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS), has been shown to produce the quietest concrete pavements in other states. Conventional diamond grinding (CDG) also reduces the noise level on older worn concrete pavements and is also being evaluated.

Next Generation Concrete Surface

King County installed a section of Next Generation Concrete Surface texturing on both directions of Avondale Road between NE 144th Place and NE 151st Street. Noise levels were measured before and after the grinding.  

   
WSDOT constructed its own test section of NGCS on I-82, near Sunnyside, in October 2010. Initial, pre-grinding measurements were taken in April 2010 and measurements on the NGCS in November. WSDOT will measure tire/pavement noise on this section of concrete 2 – 4 times per year.

Conventional Diamond Grinding

The Boeing Access Road to King/Snohomish County Line Pavement Repair Project on I-5 was completed in December of 2009. Tire/pavement noise was measured on part of the project and the results are presented below for both the conventional diamond grinding done in May and the old concrete measured in March prior to the grinding operation.   

WSDOT used longitudinal tining and diamond grinding on a concrete rehabilitation project on I-90 near Cle Elum in 2010. The passing lane was restored toa good riding surface with conventional diamond grinding.  The travel lane was completely replaced with new concrete and given the longitudinal tined texture. Noise level results for the longitudinal tining can be found on the Pavement Texturing page.