Project Facts
- WSDOT plans to install noise-absorptive ceiling treatment above the I-5 express lanes. 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 received $5 million from the 2005 Transportation Partnerships Package to study and test noise reduction options.
September 2008
- In August, WSDOT attended Lake Union SummerFest to share information about the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Noise Study and the I-5 Boston to Shelby Noise Wall Project.
- In May 2008, WSDOT attended the University District Street Fair to share information with the public about the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge Noise Study.
- In late April, WSDOT hosted a workshop with acoustics experts to review new and innovative strategies for reducing freeway noise from the bridge.
Why is WSDOT
considering this project?
The Seattle neighborhoods around the I-5 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, Roanoke Park / Portage Bay, the University District, and Wallingford.
The End Result
Freeway noise from the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge reaches surrounding neighborhoods by reverberating or reflecting off the bridge decks and directly from the car tires as they travel over the pavement.
As you might imagine, reducing multiple types of freeway noise is a unique challenge. WSDOT has been evaluating new and innovative noise-reducing elements to determine the best approach. In coordination with acoustics experts, we have identified three potential options for reducing noise in this area:
- For reverberant and/or reflective noise: Noise-absorptive materials on the ceiling above the I-5 express lanes.
- To reduce noise at the source: Replacement or rehabilitation of the pavement.
- To reduce noise near the source: Modify bridge barriers to block/absorb pavement noise.
WSDOT plans to install a 1,000-foot test section of noise-absorptive ceiling treatment on the south concrete approach and monitor the results. WSDOT is determining the exact configuration and location of the test section, and plans to begin installation in fall 2009.
Project Benefits
Results from the test section could provide an understanding of noise-reducing elements to better understand new technologies for statewide application and identify the best solution for reducing noise in the area surrounding the Ship Canal Bridge.
What is the project timeline?
- 2004 - 2005: Completed preliminary noise analysis and study of noise-reducing elements.
- 2006: Examined feasibility of noise-reducing elements identified in the 2004 study.
- 2007 - 2008: Continue research and analysis; convene panel of acoustics experts; begin design of ceiling treatment test section.
- Fall 2009 - 2011: Install ceiling treatment test section and conduct monitoring.
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 community meetings, 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 future installation and testing activities.
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 during future installation and testing activities.
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.
Financial Information
The 2005 Transportation Partnerships Package has allocated $5 million to study noise-reducing elements for the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge.
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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