WSDOT Projects

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The I-5 Ship Canal.
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Ceiling Panels.
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Noise Walls.
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Quieter Pavement.
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Project Facts

• As part of the first phase of implementation, ceiling panels will be installed on the lower deck of the Ship Canal Bridge. This is a new and innovative noise reduction technique!
  
  
• A noticeable reduction of noise is possible in the neighborhoods surrounding the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. On average, a person’s ear can perceive a 3 dBA change in noise levels. To learn more about the qualities of sound, please visit WSDOT’s Acoustics Web site.
  
  
• The project has received $5 million from the 2005 Transportation Partnerships Package to study and test noise reduction options.

Why is WSDOT considering this project?
The Seattle neighborhoods around the Ship Canal Bridge experience high noise levels from freeway traffic. Noise along the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge has been identified as one of the top noise reduction priorities in the State. Neighborhoods located near the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge include Eastlake, North Capitol Hill, Roanoke Park, the University District, and Wallingford.

The goals of this study include: testing the performance of ceiling panels for reducing noise, testing the installation and maintenance qualities of the panels and testing different configuration options.

The End Result
In 2004, WSDOT conducted a preliminary analysis to evaluate numerous options for reducing noise from traffic on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. None of the options presented in the 2004 study were funded at the time that the study was conducted.

In 2005, the project received $5 million in funding to study potential noise reducing elements on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. In 2006, WSDOT convened a workshop with technical experts to to examine the noise reducing elements identified in the 2004 study. The group recommended moving forward with some of the concepts included in the 2004 study and identified three potential options for addressing noise in this area: noise-absorptive ceiling panels, street-level noise walls and future improvement of the pavement through rehabilitation or replacement.

Using the findings of the technical experts, WSDOT recommended using the funding to focus the study on ceiling panels, including installing a test section of panels on a segment of the bridge. If additional funding becomes available, WSDOT proposes phasing the implementation of elements for addressing noise:

• Phase 1: Install noise-absorptive ceiling panels on a segment of the bridge.(Pending results from study and test installation).
• Phase 2: Build street-level noise walls near the bridge approaches.
• Phase 3: Improve the quality of pavement through replacement or rehabilitation, pending results from statewide tests assessing different types of pavement.
  

Project Benefits
The goals of this study include: testing the performance of ceiling panels for reducing noise, testing the installation and maintenance qualities of the panels and testing different configuration options.
WSDOT identified ceiling panel installation and testing as a priority because preliminary analysis indicated that installation of ceiling panels on the upper deck of the I-5 express lanes could potentially benefit the most number of residents in neighborhoods surrounding the bridge. A quieter environment for residents, pedestrians, and people enjoying outdoor recreation would be a welcome benefit for these populated neighborhoods near the bridge.

In addition, this project will provide a system-wide understanding of new noise reducing elements and could help in future applications statewide.

What is the project timeline?
2004 - Completed preliminary noise analysis and study of noise reducing elements.

2006 – Examined feasibility of noise reducing elements identified in the 2004 study

2007 – Continue research and analysis; preliminary design of ceiling panels

2008 – Ceiling panel design

2009 - 2011 –Install ceiling panels (phase 1) and conduct monitoring

Additional analysis, design, and funding would be required before continuing ceiling panel installation or pursuing Phases 2 (building noise walls) and 3 (rehabilitating the pavement).

Public Involvement
Involving the public throughout this study will help WSDOT better understand community concerns related to noise reducing elements. In order to facilitate this dialogue, WSDOT will provide briefings to community organizations in the area, host public open houses, and send project updates to nearby neighbors and to the project mailing list. Sign up for the project mailing list.

If you have any questions in the meantime, contact Erin Fletcher via e-mail or you can call her at 206-770-3504.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT will do everything it can to minimize adverse effects on the environment during the testing and implementation stages of this project.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
WSDOT will implement all necessary traffic management and safety measures when testing begins.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan. Formal consultation with tribes may be required as this project moves forward. 

Financial Information
The 2005 Transportation Partnerships Package has allocated $5 million for the study and design of this project (Phase 1). Phases 2 and 3 have been identified and will require additional funding. 

Total funding available from all sources: $5 million

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Erin Fletcher
Project Engineer
WSDOT
600 Stewart St., Suite 520
Seattle, WA  98101
Phone: 206-770-3504
E-mail: FletchE@wsdot.wa.gov

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