WSDOT - Project - SR 16 - New Tacoma Narrows Bridge Expansion Joint Noise Mitigation

The Narrows Project vicinity map.

New noise walls on the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Crews erected the first of sections of new noise walls on the southwest corner of the bridge the night of Jan. 13, 2009. The sound-absorbing was later applied to the traffic-facing side of the walls.

Expansion joint photo
Prior to the sound walls, each time a vehicle passed over the expansion joints at either end of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a loud zipper noise reverberated through nearby communities.

Overview
Four noise walls, two on each end of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge between the concrete approach and the expansion joints, were constructed to reduce sounds heard by neighbors of the bridge.

The walls are about 100 feet long and range in height from 8 to 10 feet. They are designed to mimic the shape of the bridge anchors and are covered with a special concrete sound-absorbing material called SoundSorb™.

SoundSorb™ is a cement-based sound abatement product designed to absorb sound energy and significantly reduce the expansion joint noise heard by nearby communities.

Protects Environment
This noise barrier project is evidence of WSDOT's commitment to preserving the environment and minimizing environmental impacts from transportation projects.

For more information about traffic noise, visit WSDOT's Traffic Noise Web page.

Partnerships & Cooperation

Funding
Total cost of this noise wall is about $1.2 million and is part of the $735 million price tag for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge - which is on pace to finish about $114 million under budget.

WSDOT awarded the $531,698 construction contract to Tri-State Construction, Inc.

Contact Us
Rumina Suafoa, Project Engineer
WSDOT Tacoma Project Engineer Office
1614 South Mildred, Suite M
Tacoma, WA 98465-1626
Phone: 253-534-3100

Project Info

SR 16 - New Tacoma Narrows Bridge Expansion Joint Noise Mitigation - Complete July 2009