Noise barriers need to be considered in the context of providing effective noise relief, while also addressing issues of appearance, urban design, site constraints, maintenance (including whole-of-life costs), safety, graffiti, cost (value-for-money) and sustainability. To this end, it is important that the increasing number of noise barriers being constructed for the NZTA should be built with a coherent, consistent approach, rather than ad hoc solutions to individual sites.

An NZTA State Highway Noise Barrier Design Guide has been produced to aid NZTA staff and contractors with the design, construction and maintenance of noise barriers. The guide aims to ensure noise barriers are designed to be fit-for-purpose as noise control structures, while at the same time minimising their impacts on the immediate surroundings and the wider environment. Territorial Authorities may also find this guide useful in regards to noise barriers for local roads.  This guide does not include specifications or standards. 

A summary of each section of the Noise Barrier Design Guide is also provided on the following pages.  For further detail on subjects, the full text of the guide should be referred to.

• Acoustics design - this section covers such topics as noise barrier location, height, length and continuity in relation to acoustic principals.
• Urban design  - the main urban design principles guiding the location and design of noise barriers are discussed in this section.
• Design considerations - engineering, safety, maintenance and environmental requirements are covered in this section.
• Planning and procurement - this section discusses statutory approval, stakeholder engagement, a design process, costs as well as acoustics specifications relating to NZTA noise barriers.