Project Overview:



SSWA was retained as part of the project team to support Halton Region to complete a detailed environmental noise assessment in support of the replacement of existing noise barriers along Upper Middle Road in Burlington as part of the Region’s State of Good Repair program.

The study evaluated the existing and future traffic noise environment, assessed the condition and effectiveness of the existing barriers, and established replacement barrier requirements to support long-term acoustic performance, infrastructure renewal objectives, and public safety considerations.

Challenges

The project involved the replacement of multiple aging noise barriers along Upper Middle Road in Burlington as part of Halton Region’s State of Good Repair program. The existing barriers were in a deteriorated condition and provided limited acoustic benefit due to deficiencies such as cracks, gaps, collapsing sections, and unfavourable site geometry.

Additional challenges included varying grades between the roadway and residential properties, maintaining existing masonry feature walls, avoiding encroachment into the Hydro One corridor, and developing a replacement strategy that balanced acoustic performance, constructability, safety, and site-specific constraints. 

Approach

SSWA completed a detailed environmental noise assessment to evaluate the existing and future traffic noise environment associated with Upper Middle Road.

The work included long-term unattended sound level monitoring, prediction modelling using the MECP’s ORNAMENT program, and detailed analysis of roadway geometry, grading, barrier elevations, and existing barrier performance.

Representative residential receptors were assessed throughout the study area to determine the acoustic effectiveness of the existing barriers and establish the required replacement barrier heights and alignments.

The study also involved coordination with the Region and project team to address design constraints, infrastructure considerations, and constructability requirements associated with the proposed replacement barriers. 

Results

The assessment confirmed that the existing barriers provided minimal acoustic benefit due to their deteriorated condition, limited height, and the relationship between roadway and residential grades. Sound level monitoring validated the acoustic model and confirmed that traffic along Upper Middle Road remains the dominant noise source within the study area.

The analysis established that replacement barriers would provide improved acoustic performance throughout the corridor, with projected sound level reductions generally ranging from 2 to 5 dB at the assessed residential receptors. The study also identified location-specific design considerations related to barrier alignments, grading transitions, existing feature walls, and utility constraints. 

Outcome

The study established a coordinated barrier replacement strategy to support Halton Region’s infrastructure renewal and safety objectives while improving long-term acoustic performance for adjacent residents.

The final recommendations provided clear guidance regarding barrier heights, alignments, and implementation considerations, supporting the advancement of the project into detailed design and future construction phases.