Project Examples - Road Schemes

A5 Omagh Throughpass Atkins undertook the assessment of environmental noise and vibration effects for the A5 Omagh Throughpass. Our work included assessment of the impacts of the scheme, the preparation of an Environmental Statement and giving Expert Witness evidence at the Public Inquiry for the scheme.
Calculations of the noise levels for the scheme were undertaken using Atkins RoadNoise software, and the results were assessed using the procedures laid out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).  The results of the assessment were used to determine the mitigation strategy for the scheme, including retaining walls and the use of a quieter road surface.

A21 Comber Bypass Atkins updated the environmental noise assessment published in the Environmental Statement for the scheme in line with actual traffic count data following the opening of the scheme. The purpose of the study was to the determine eligibility for Noise Insulation under the Noise Insulation Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. Calculations of the noise levels were undertaken using a three dimensional RoadNoise computer model.

A5 Strabane Bypass Atkins undertook the assessment for the A5 Strabane Bypass, including noise and vibration impacts. The proposal for the bypass scheme was to reduce traffic through Strabane and divert it onto a bypass. Our calculations of the noise and vibration impact where included in the Environmental Statement for the Scheme.
Calculations of the noise impacts of the scheme were undertaken using Atkins RoadNoise software, and the assessed using the DMRB.

Noise Impacts and Mitigation on New and Existing Roads Atkins have an unrivalled expertise in evaluating the environmental noise and vibration impacts of new road schemes and road improvements, and identifying and developing noise mitigation to offset adverse impacts and also for noise hotspots on existing trunk roads and motorways.
Our numerous new road and improvement scheme experience includes:
M6, Junctions 11A to 19
M20, Junctions 3 to 5, 7 to 9, and 10 to 11
M25, Junctions 5 to 15
M1 Junctions 6A to 10
A406, South Woodford
A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton
A1 Peterborough to Blyth, Bramham to Wetherby and Scotch Corner
A3 Hindhead
A46 Kenilworth Bypass
A46 Warwick Bypass
Our experience of assessments of mitigation on existing roads includes:
130km of North West roads including the M6, M56, M60, M61 and M62
90km of Midlands roads including the M6, M42, M54, A38, A46, A50
60 km of mainly urban roads in the South-East - A2, M20, M25, A21, A27
40 km of mainly rural roads in the South-West including the M4 and M5

In London assessment of 2km of the A406 in a very densely populated area with a major interchange
We also have experience of the design of numerous barrier types including:
Conventionally-styled timber panel environmental noise barriers
High performance barriers (up to 5 metres high) designed to achieve 20dB reduction at houses
Absorptive barriers, including those with a high performance
Metal and acrylic noise barriers
Sloping noise barriers to help reduce some effects of reflection
Retaining wall treatments

One such study on an existing road was undertaken for the Highways Agency on the M5 at Upton St Leonards. The project involved the design and contract preparation for a £1M barrier. We also provided information for, and attended the Public Exhibition and assisted with local liaison. Non-absorbent acoustic barriers are being installed for a 2km length of three-lane motorway near Gloucester.  The majority of barriers are 3m high and were introduced in conjunction with reduced-noise carriageway surfacing.

[back to projects]