A clear change for Kenton County
Residents living along Crecent Ave, impacted by the recent I75 and Brent Spence Bridge enhancements, advocate for a noise barrier solution designed to address increased traffic noise that does not impact their beloved view of the Cincinnati Skyline.
Project Overview
The Crecent Avenue Project had the goal of improving traffic flow through the area. To achieve this, a companion bridge was added, which improved transportation efficiency, but also increased noise levels in the neighboring community. The Kentucky Department of Transportation specified the installation of 1,000 feet of noise barriers to mitigate noise pollution, creating a quieter and more pleasant environment for residents.
Kentucky’s first transparent noise barrier
Crescent Avenue is a residential street that runs alongside the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor. Transparent Noise Wall project is a pioneering infrastructure effort to reduce noise pollution while improving traffic flow and efficiency along the I75 through Covington, KC. A transparent solution was commissioned by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), after the community voiced concerns of large concrete barriers blocking residents helped to guide the product selection, steering away from the traditional concrete barriers and choosing a transparent noise barrier that effectively addressed noise concerns while preserving the iconic Cincinnati Skyline views.
The Superior team designed and supplied a steel post and panel noise barrier system for this project. The ideal choice was the Ready-Fit Framed system, known for its straightforward installation and seamless integration with other wall products.
Our team collaborated closely with all contractors bidding on the project, particularly MAC Construction & Excavation INC. This close communication and partnership ensured that the design solutions met the unique challenges and requirements. A specially designed base-plate steel beam was mounted on top of the concrete posts used for the retaining wall. This was a unique challenge as it was the first time a steel beam was mounted on top of a concrete post, rather than embedded into the concrete or baseplate. The noise wall featured transparent panels stacked to 20 feet in height, which is significantly larger than typical walls, adding further complexity and precision during the installation process. The prefabricated, modular solution was shipped directly to the site and installed within 6 weeks as site access was limited.
This was the first transparent noise barrier constructed and approved by the Kentucky DOT and acted as a pilot program to show residents the benefits of a transparent noise barrier.
With its success, more transparent noise barriers may be seen along the State’s major highway projects more often!
