Windsor Essex Soundwall at a distance

When the need for noise barriers arose as part of the 2 kilometer (about 1-1/4 miles) noise barrier at the south end of The Windsor-Essex Parkway, project designers were challenged to identify aesthetic solutions.

The 5-meter-high (16-foot, 4-inch) noise barrier adjacent to the Southwood Lakes community has become a major visual element for both residents and users of the highway. The barrier effectively reduces unwanted sound and fulfills the strict requirements of the Ministry of Transportation’s noise barrier standard.

An installation of panels along the Windsor Essex Parkway with a temporary top framing piece still attached

A closeup of the Windsor Essex Soundwall is pictured

Creating a barrier plan

Designers set out to create a barrier plan with minimal impact on the landscape while also addressing both driving and residential considerations. Travelers would benefit from a rhythmic and unique driving experience consisting of solid motif panels combined with transparent noise barrier panels strategically arranged along the roadway.

Residential sides of the wall would use earth tones and green hues, vegetation screening to obfuscate the barrier, and transparent panels to reduce the perceived height/visual impact of the barrier.

Inspiration for the transparent wall panels, a key element of the aesthetic design, was found within Ontario’s own borders. Already at work protecting the communities of St. Catherine’s and Fort Erie from unwanted highway noise, PARAGLAS SOUNDSTOP is a clear noise barrier material used widely worldwide including numerous projects throughout the United States and Canada.

The transparent panels allow the integration of a window like element, commonly used with traditional precast concrete panels, enhancing the visual impact of the noise barrier from both the residential and driver perspectives.

A residential soundwall with tinted brown Soundstop panels in Shiloh, Mont.

“In determining what material to use in the project, two previous installations of the clear panels in both Fort Erie and St. Catharines were evaluated and used as the basis for our new ‘open-top’ design,” said Chris Blaney, senior environmental planner-acoustics, Ontario Ministry of Transportation. “The Fort Erie installation was a good trial application leading to the larger St. Catharine’s installation including nearly 3,000 square meters (about 30,000 square feet) of clear panels along the QEW highway.  Due to the visual benefits and its excellent performance to date, the same clear panels were selected to line the section of The Windsor-Essex Parkway at the end of Highway 401 entering Windsor.”

Ministry of Transportation designers involved local residents in the decision-making process through an open house to gather public comment.