Project Facts
- We installed the first test sections of quieter asphalt pavement on southbound I-5 in Lynnwood in fall 2006.
- We will study the test sections to see how they stand up to ever-changing driving conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
- There are two kinds of quieter asphalt and several techniques for making concrete quieter.
May 2008
• In summer 2009, crews will begin construction on a project to install the third and final quieter pavement test section on
I-405 through Bellevue.
• In July 2007, we installed the second of three quieter pavement asphalt test sections on SR 520 through Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Yarrow Point and Bellevue area. The initial
noise test results are now available for viewing.
• In August 2006, We installed the first of three quieter asphalt test sections on southbound I-5 in Lynnwood. View our
test results so far.
• Curious about quieter pavement and how it works? Find answers using the
common questions, and
photos pages. Additional information can also be found in the quieter pavement
folio (pdf 505kb).
• Sign up for
e-mail updates to learn more about projects in the Puget Sound area.
We are installing several miles of quieter pavement on some of Washington State's busiest highways. We will study the test sections to see how quieter pavement performs in the Pacific Northwest's unique driving and climate conditions.
We are testing both quieter asphalt, which contains compounds that help reduce noise, and quieter concrete, which uses surface texturing techniques to reduce noise.
Why is WSDOT
testing quieter pavement?
Noise is a common complaint near highways across the state. Residents have told us they want solutions that will reduce traffic noise. We are testing quieter pavement as a potential tool to reduce road noise on major highways like Interstate 90, Interstate 5, Interstate 405 and State Route 520.
The challenge is to design pavements that reduce noise while still providing durable, smooth and safe surfaces. We are studying a new generation of quieter pavements to test their durability against ever-changing driving conditions that include heavy rain, snow, ice and studded tires. We also want to know how long their noise reduction abilities last and how much noise they will eliminate.
The End Result
We will study each test section of quieter pavement for at least five years. This gives our engineers enough data to observe trends relating to durability and noise reduction. Our engineers will continue to take measurements until they've determined the quieter pavement has reached the end of its useful life. We will measure several characteristics:
- durability
- quality and quantity of noise reduction
- how noise suppression abilities perform over time
These tests will provide us with the data we need to determine if quieter pavement is a good choice for Washington highways.
Project Benefits
- Better data for decision making: Quieter pavement has the potential to reduce traffic noise on some of our most heavily traveled highways. We are testing quieter pavements to assess their potential affects on safety, pavement lifespan, noise reduction and costs. This information will help policymakers, WSDOT and others make more informed decisions about incorporating quieter pavement into highway projects.
What is the project timeline?
We will test each section of quieter pavement for five years after its installation. Our engineers will continue to take measurements until they've determined the quieter pavement has reached the end of its useful life.
Public Involvement
Your feedback is important to us. For more information about these projects or to share your ideas, please see the contacts below.
You can also sign up for regular e-mail updates about WSDOT projects.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impacts from our projects. During project design, WSDOT will work to reduce the impact to wetlands, creeks and rivers that could be in the project area.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
These projects will provide drivers with smoother, safer driving surfaces on three major highways by eliminating cracks and potholes.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
These quieter pavement projects will not affect 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
Cost to lay down quieter pavement on southbound I-5 in Lynnwood (summer 2006)
- Standard (hot mix) asphalt - $58,900 per lane mile
- Polymer-modified quieter asphalt - $81,600 per lane mile
- Rubberized quieter asphalt - $93,200 per lane mile
- Quieter concrete (texturizing existing concrete) - $100,000 per lane mile
- Quieter concrete (texturizing and installing new concrete) - $2 million per lane mile
For total project costs, visit the project Web pages:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Acoustics Program
Mia Waters
Phone: (206) 440-4541
E-mail: watersy@wsdot.wa.gov
Materials Laboratory
Linda Pierce
Phone: (360) 709-5470
E-mail: piercel@wsdot.wa.gov
I-5 Quieter Pavement Evaluation Project
Travis Phelps
Phone: (206) 440-4470
E-mail: phelpst@wsdot.wa.gov
I-405 Quieter Pavement Evaluation Project
Colleen Gants
Phone: (425) 456-8555
E-mail: gantsc@wsdot.wa.gov
SR 520 Quieter Pavement Evaluation Project
Myly Posse
Phone: (206) 440-4700
E-mail: possem@wsdot.wa.gov
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