Published on 02 November 2020

Key environmental factors for placement of sound barriers in Aalter, Belgium

The increasing traffic on the E40 motorway and the N44 provincial road in Aalter, Belgium, is causing noise pollution in the village centre and surrounding districts of this municipality. To optimise the quality of life here, Witteveen+Bos undertook a study in cooperation with the CLUSTER design firm to install noise barriers along an 8-km distance. The study was carried out under contract to the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV).

The architectural design takes into account the visual experience of the barriers. On the other hand, it is important for the noise barriers to fit in seamlessly in terms of the environmental factors. We defined different area types that will each be given their own look and feel. This ranges from gabion walls to transparent screens. Witteveen+Bos is responsible for the project management and preparation of the tender, as well as for monitoring the work’s progress. If everything goes well, work will commence in the spring of 2021.