Project overview
We are building one noise wall (Wall 1-North) on the east side of I-5 in the Maple Leaf neighborhood. Check out our design mailer for more information about the final design of the wall. We plan to began construction in fall 2009.
This is Stage 2 of the I-5 / 5th Avenue NE to NE 92nd Street Noise Wall Project. Visit our common questions page for information about why Wall 1-South was removed from the project.
In early 2008, we completed preliminary design work, including identifying the location and height (pdf 316 kb) of the proposed noise wall, as well as modeling potential noise reduction benefits (pdf 430 kb).
The location of Wall 1-North is approximately in the same location as Sound Transit’s North Link light rail project. Due to this conflict, we are planning to use a newly available non-concrete noise wall product called Carsonite AcoustaShield (pdf 103 kb) rather than typical concrete for this noise wall. Carsonite is commercially available, lightweight, and could be disassembled and reused elsewhere when the light rail project moves ahead in this area in the future.
The use of a non-concrete type of noise wall would be new and innovative for the state. We plan to monitor the condition (wear and tear) of the noise wall over time and evaluate the maintenance requirements and qualities.
What is the timeline for Stage 2?
- 2005-2007: Planning phase. With support from legislators and the Maple Leaf community in early 2007, WSDOT postponed the design and construction of the proposed noise wall on the east side of I-5.
- 2008: Design east side noise wall and conduct community poll with property owners.
- 2009-2010: Begin construction of Wall 1-North in summer/fall 2009. The project is scheduled to be complete in spring/summer 2010.
The end result
Given the characteristics of how noise travels, noise walls are most effective at reducing noise up to 500 feet from the edge of the traveled lane of I-5. The first row of houses behind a constructed noise wall may experience up to a 50 percent reduction in perceived freeway noise. Adjacent neighbors may experience noticeable reductions in freeway noise up to three rows back from the noise wall, depending on the topography.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Erin Fletcher
Project Engineer
WSDOT Urban Corridors Office
600 Stewart Street, Suite 520
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-770-3504
E-mail: FletchE@wsdot.wa.gov
Michell Mouton
WSDOT Communications
Phone: 206-464-1249
E-mail: MoutonM@wsdot.wa.gov