Planning and procurement
Statutory considerations
The statutory approval requirements for the NZTA when installing noise barriers alongside the state highway relate to the Resource Management Act (1991), Fencing Act (1978) and the Building Act (2004).
Stakeholder engagement
Affected parties need to be engaged so that people are kept informed, and are also provided with appropriate opportunities for input into the decision making process.The potential negative impacts of noise barriers on neighbouring properties include issues such as the disruption of views, community severance, reducing sunlight and creating a potential negative focal point towards the NZTA.
Design process
The design process for noise barriers may involve a range of specialists, and integrated design is the key to achieving a good outcome. The design process is shown diagrammatically below (for section references see the Noise Barrier Design Guide).
 |
Costs
Indicative construction costs for the most common types of New Zealand noise barriers are provided in the guide, and an up-to-date list is provided in the following table (updated August 2010).
| Barrier type | Material | Indicative cost/Unit | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Test level (TL) 4 concrete barrier (810 mm high) | $400 | linear metre |
| TL 5 concrete barrier (1070 mm high) | $430 | linear metre | |
| Noise wall - 2 m | timber | $240 | linear metre |
| concrete | $350 | linear metre | |
| acrylic | $1,650 | linear metre | |
| Noise wall - 3 m | timber | $400 | linear metre |
| concrete | $480 | linear metre | |
| acrylic | $2,500 | linear metre | |
| Noise wall - 4 m | timber | $450 | linear metre |
| concrete | $650 | linear metre | |
| acrylic | $3,300 | linear metre | |
| Noise wall - 5 m | timber | $500 | linear metre |
| concrete | $1,000 | linear metre | |
| acrylic | $5,000 | linear metre | |
| Noise bund | non-structural recycled earth | $15 | m3 |
| non-structural imported earth | $25 | m3 | |
| structural recycled earth | $20 | m3 | |
| structural imported earth | $35 | m3 |
Acoustics specifications
A comprehensive suite of noise barrier standards have been developed in Europe, and these may assist in determining an appropriate approach for specification of noise barriers in New Zealand.