As part of the transformation of the Dunlop-Duckworth highway corridor, in Barrie, Ontario, new bridges, streets and ramps were introduced to improve transportation through the area. As the corridor evolved, so did the need to address the impacts of new highway infrastructure on the communities living and working alongside it.
For EKHO, the project presented an opportunity to bring multiple protection measures together into one integrated approach addressing traffic noise, roadside safety and air pollution within a busy highway environment.
The addition of a new highway on-ramp changed the conditions along the corridor, bringing high-volume traffic closer to neighbouring homes and properties.
Located alongside the highway and in close proximity to homeowner's backyards, the barrier needed to do more than provide traditional noise mitigation. Roadside safety was also a critical consideration, while the surrounding community faced exposure to both traffic noise and air pollution.
Noise studies were conducted to determine the appropriate barrier requirements and product for the site. While a conventional noise wall could address traffic noise, it would not address the additional concern of air pollution created by the high volume of traffic.
The project therefore required a solution that could respond to the broader conditions created by the changing highway corridor.
Along the northbound on-ramp, EKHO designed and supplied a TL-3 crash-rated, absorptive precast noise barrier system, integrating acoustic performance with the roadside safety requirements of the location.
Because the barrier was positioned directly alongside the highway and adjacent to residential property, crash-rated protection was an essential component of the design.
The integrated system allowed the project team to address multiple infrastructure requirements within a single solution, rather than relying on separate systems that would have addressed each issue independently.
Standard underground utilities were also considered during installation. Short barrier bays were used to avoid existing utilities and accommodate the site's conditions without requiring modifications to EKHO's standard system.
The project also incorporated SmogStop, EKHO's air quality barrier, adding another layer of protection for the surrounding community.
SmogStop was included to address air pollution while providing noise mitigation and an aesthetic architectural element along the corridor.
The focus on air quality emerged through the collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and EKHO's sales and business development team, recognizing the broader environmental impacts associated with high-volume traffic corridors.
Together, the noise and air protection systems demonstrate how highway infrastructure can be designed with multiple community impacts in mind.
EKHO became involved during the pre-tender and early specification phase, allowing the team to work with the project partners early in the process.
EKHO's scope included the design and supply of the barrier system, while Groundbreaking Foundations Inc. was responsible for installation and MTO served as the client. Powell Foundations and Dufferin Construction Company were key project partners involved in delivering the broader infrastructure works.
From design and supply through to installation, the project was turned around in less than two months.
Achieving this timeline required careful planning, coordination and efficient execution. The team worked through challenges as they arose while maintaining the project's schedule and minimizing deficiencies.
The completed project delivered a solution that addressed the client's requirements for noise mitigation, roadside safety and air quality, while meeting the tight timeline of an active highway construction project.
The client was particularly pleased with the aesthetic appearance and performance of the finished product, as well as EKHO's ability to deliver within the project's timeframe with minimal deficiencies.
The Dunlop-Duckworth highway corridor demonstrates how modern transportation infrastructure can address more than mobility alone.
When major transportation corridors intersect with established communities, the impacts can extend beyond traffic flow. Noise, roadside safety and air quality can all become important considerations in the design and delivery of new infrastructure.
By bringing these considerations together, EKHO helped deliver an integrated protection solution designed around the realities of a changing highway environment.
Engineered noise barriers, retaining walls, and safety hardware tested for the demands of modern transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about Highways & RoadsPartner with EKHO to deliver infrastructure solutions designed for today’s complexity and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’ll shape smarter, more connected communities.
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