HONEY BROOK, PA — Superior Transparent Noise Barriers LLC has brought innovative solutions to the bustling Van Wyck Expressway in New York, integrating its transparent noise barriers into a major infrastructure upgrade. The project supports the New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) efforts to address increased traffic and mitigate the impact of roadway noise on nearby communities.
Launched as part of the Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements project approved in July 2020, the initiative includes the installation of approximately 130,000 square feet of Superior’s Ready Fit panels with Bird Guard. These noise barriers, which reach heights of up to 28 feet, feature transparent sections above a 10-foot concrete base to maintain natural light while reducing noise pollution.
To date, 550 of the planned 1,500 panels have been installed, with the remainder expected to follow in the coming months. “The Superior team provided much-needed input during the planning and design process, especially with regards to the general costing and visualization of transparent barriers,” said Edward Tadross, Vice President at WSP, the project’s design firm. “Their expertise and commitment to excellence made a significant impact on the overall success of the project.”
The transparent panels are engineered for precision and efficiency. “Using SB13 technical drawings and schematics, we were able to calculate the precise height of the transparent panels and ensure proper alignment with the base concrete structures,” said Nate Binette, Director of Operations at Superior. The integrative design not only minimizes the “prison yard effect” often associated with large precast walls but also enhances safety and aesthetics for nearby neighborhoods.
The collaboration among Superior, WSP, and Fort Miller Precast, which manufactured the concrete base panels, ensures the barriers meet stringent structural and design requirements. Superior’s role focuses on crafting and integrating the transparent sections, supporting long-term resilience and sustainability.
This project underscores Superior’s ability to deliver customized solutions that balance functionality with quality of life enhancements. With the remaining installation ahead, the Van Wyck Expressway upgrades aim to offer a safer, quieter, and more visually appealing route for those who use and live near it.
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