Sound Barriers

TxDOT does not recommend installation of precast concrete sound barriers mounted on top of concrete bridge railing for these reasons:
  • The sound barrier mass changes the vehicle impact behavior with the railing.
  • The sound barrier connections at the top of the railing have not been proven to be adequately anchored.
Sound walls may be placed behind a concrete traffic barrier, with a 2 ft. 10 in. minimum distance from face of traffic barrier to face of sound wall, taking into account posts or pillars in the wall that may project in front of the wall panels.
The Bridge Division has working drawings of a sound wall cast integrally on top of a single-slope concrete traffic railing. This railing with sound wall has been evaluated and approved for TL-5 (MASH 2016) use. Non-standard bridge slab details or custom foundations are required with this railing.