Transportation noise – as in the sounds generated by vehicles operating on a roadway – is heard and expected when roads are located next to a populated area. As Calgary continues to grow and change, more vehicles are occupying the roadways increasing the amount and level of transportation noise heard in residential communities.

The City of Calgary is committed to reducing the impact of transportation noise heard in residential areas through the Noise Barrier Program. Where residential areas (next to an eligible roadway) exceed The City’s noise level criteria, a noise barrier may be constructed. A noise barrier is an effective way to significantly lessen the impact of transportation noise.

If you would like to request a noise barrier or request repairs to an existing noise barrier, and/or have a traffic noise assessment completed, please fill out a 311-request form using one of the following selections:

• "Fence - Noise Barrier Wall - Request for New"
• "Fence - Noise Barrier - Retaining Wall Repair"

Please review our full list of evaluated locations that have already been measured for noise barrier adjustment PRIOR to submitting a new request. Requests are individually reviewed within fourteen days.

New noise barriers are typically constructed in one of three ways:

1. By the developer, where deemed necessary at the time that development occurs;
2. By The City, when a roadway adjacent to an existing residential community is upgraded and the need for noise mitigated is deemed necessary; or
3. By qualifying for a new barrier under the Noise Barrier Program, when budget is allocated by Council.

There are 11 priority locations that are eligible for construction in the 2023-26 budget cycle. View the full list of priority locations.

The priority list is reviewed and updated every four years, in alignment with The City’s operating plans and budget cycle.

In 2019, when the Glenmore Trail Widening Project was completed, we heard from Lakeview residents that noise had increased significantly in the area. After construction was completed on the S.W. Ring Road, and traffic patterns adjusted to the new network, a new noise study was completed in 2023. Results of the noise measurement indicated that upgrades to the noise barrier are required to mitigate the disruption to area residents.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026. Funding for this noise barrier is being provided through the Glenmore Trail Widening Project. 

The City’s Noise Barrier Lifecycle Replacement Program keeps our noise barriers in good shape through regular condition inspections. When older barriers need replacing, the new walls are designed to reduce noise and enhance the quality of life for residents nearby for up to 50 years.

Please note construction schedules may change due to project complexity, weather, supply chain issues and site access. 

The Noise Barrier Program is guided by The City’s Surface Transportation Noise Policy. The policy identifies the conditions under which noise barriers can be constructed next to residential properties using guidelines established by the federal government.

Criteria for new noise barrier eligibility:

• Noise is generated solely from typical vehicle traffic passing by the location. Areas experiencing noise from other sources such as airplanes, engine retarder brakes, or construction activities do not qualify.
• Non-Truck Routes: traffic noise level exceeds 60 decibels, over a 24-hour period (average).
• Truck Routes: traffic noise level exceeds 65 decibels during its peak hour.
• The location must be in an existing residential community directly adjacent to a skeletal road, arterial street, or parkway, as per The City of Calgary’s roadway classification.