Noise Barrier Program
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.
Noise barrier requests
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.
Noise barrier requests along provincial highways
Please contact Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors for noise barrier requests along provincial highways, including Deerfoot Trail, Stoney Trail, Tsuut’ina Trail, and 16 Avenue N.W. west of Stoney Trail.
You can submit an inquiry online or call 310-0000 toll-free in Alberta and select Option 6 (for all other inquiries).
New noise barriers
New noise barriers are typically constructed in one of three ways:
- By the developer, where deemed necessary at the time that development occurs;
- By The City, when a roadway adjacent to an existing residential community is upgraded and the need for noise mitigated is deemed necessary; or
- 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.
| Location | Priority # (of the 11 priority locations in the 2023-26 budget cycle) | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
68 Street S.E. (East side) North of 16 Avenue S.E. to 15 Avenue S.E. (View map) |
1 | On hold. |
|
52 Street S.E. (West side) North of Prestwick Avenue S.E. to Prestwick Gate S.E. (View map) |
2 | Construction at this location began earlier in 2025. Wall panel installation is complete, and only minor works and landscaping remain before the barrier is fully completed by spring of 2026. |
|
Shaganappi Trail N.W. (Both sides) South of Sherwood Gate N.W. to north of Kincora Gate N.W (View map) |
3 | We expect to begin construction on the east side of Shaganappi Trail at this location in early 2026 and on the west side later in the spring. This location is anticipated to be fully constructed before the end of 2026. |
|
Crowchild Trail N.W. (South side) East of 53 Street N.W. (View map) |
4 | Construction at this location is expected to begin in early 2026 and fully constructed before the end of 2026. |
|
Crowchild Trail N.W. (North side) West of Stoney Trail N.W. (View map) |
5 | Construction at this location began in the fall of 2025. The foundation for the new barrier has been completed, and we expect to have the wall panels installed by the summer of 2026. This location is anticipated to be fully constructed before the end of 2026. |
|
36 Street N.E. (East side) North of Marbank Drive N.E. (View map) |
6 | A contractor (Merlin Integrated Solutions) has recently been hired to complete this work. We expect to begin construction at this location in the spring of 2026, with completion expected before the end of the year. |
|
18 Street S.E. (Both sides) South of Riverview Circle S.E. (View map) |
7 | A contractor (Merlin Integrated Solutions) has recently been hired to complete this work. We expect to begin construction at this location in the spring of 2026, with completion expected before the end of the year. |
|
Nose Hill Drive N.W. (West side) North of Scenic Acres Gate N.W. (View map) |
8 | A contractor (Merlin Integrated Solutions) has recently been hired to complete this work. We expect to begin construction at this location in the spring of 2026, with completion expected before the end of the year. |
|
69 Street S.W. (East side) North of 17 Avenue S.W. to Christie Knoll Heights S.W.
(View map) |
9 | On hold. |
|
24 Street S.E. (West side) North of Deerfoot Trail S.E. to Douglas Glen Gate S.E.
(View map) |
10 | On hold. |
|
Old Banff Coach Road S.W. (West side) North of Coach Hill Road S.W. to Patterson Boulevard S.W.
(View map) |
11 | On hold. |
Lakeview Community Noise Barrier Construction
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.
The project was tendered in the summer of 2025 and Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. Was awarded the contract. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed before the year is out.
Step-by-step process (new barriers)
- Please check this list to see if your location has already been measured for noise.
- If your location is not on the list, you can submit a request to have a noise evaluation done.
- To submit a request, you’ll need to include a signed petition with at least two-thirds support for the noise barrier from residents directly impacted by the transportation noise.
Several things need to be assessed to determine if a new noise barrier is feasible. Lot flankage, frontage, access points, sight lines, relative grade, accessibility, and distance from the roadway all may be considered.
Locations that do not meet the noise level criteria will not move forward with noise barrier construction.
The list is prioritized based on severity of noise, amount of noise reduction required, cost to build the barrier, and number of homes affected (that exceed the noise threshold criteria).
Funding for the Noise Barrier Program is dependent on approval from Council and will be considered alongside other organizational priorities presented during the current budget cycle.
The City budgets for all the locations on the priority list, however changing material and/or vendor prices, inflation, and other unforeseen costs may affect our ability to construct every barrier on the list within the current budget cycle.
Once funding has been secured, The City will conduct a survey of the affected residents to ensure there is at least two-thirds support for the construction of a new noise barrier.
If approved, a contractor will be hired and a construction schedule will be established. Residents will be notified of possible disruptions prior to construction; duration and impacts will vary by location.
If rejected, the location will be removed from the priority list.
Frequently asked questions (new barriers)
What will the wall look like when it’s completed? How tall will the wall be?
Barrier height will vary by location based on the level of sound mitigation required.
The proposed noise barrier near my property has been approved by at least two-thirds of the area’s residents. Now what?
Now that the proposed noise barrier has been approved, The City will begin the procurement process, where construction companies are asked to submit bids to be awarded the project. The City selects a successful company based on bid prices and other qualification criteria.
The successful company will then provide The City with timelines for construction of the new barrier. This information is then shared with the affected residents once finalized.
The proposed noise barrier near my property did not get approved by the area’s residents for construction. Does this mean a noise barrier will never be constructed in this location?
If a proposed noise barrier location is not approved by at least two-thirds of the affected residents, it will be removed from the priority list.
Consideration may be given to the location again if The City receives sufficient support from noise barrier-adjacent owners via petition.
I already have a fence that was constructed by a developer. Am I eligible for this program?
Any property owner who believes they have a noise problem can submit a request and apply for a new noise barrier.
Why do some locations not qualify for a noise barrier?
Several things need to be assessed to determine if a new noise barrier is feasible. Lot flankage, frontage, access points, sight lines, relative grade, accessibility, and distance from the roadway all may be considered.
How are the priority locations ranked for construction?
Noise measurement list is prioritized based on several factors, including severity of noise, amount of noise reduction required, cost, and number of homes affected (that exceed the threshold criteria).
Why can’t you just build all the locations on the priority list?
The City is allocated a budget by Council to address the priority locations for new noise barriers in the 2023-26 budget cycle. Though we do our best to estimate the cost to build all the barriers included on the priority list, the actual cost to build the barrier is only determined once the project has been awarded to a contractor.
Changing material and/or vendor prices, inflation, and other unforeseen costs may affect our ability to construct every barrier on the list.
How much money has been allocated by Council to build new noise barriers?
Council has approved and allocated $12M for the construction of new noise barriers identified on The City’s priority location list.
How long do noise barrier requests take to review?
Requests are reviewed within a period of two weeks. Eligible locations are then placed on the noise measurement list with measurements conducted once a year (usually in late summer/early fall).
Noise barrier repair and replacement
We repair and replace existing noise barriers to ensure they remain safe and effective. New noise barriers are designed to reduce traffic noise and help improve quality of life for nearby residents for up to 50 years.
The barriers at the locations listed below are scheduled for replacement. Please note that timelines may change due to project complexity, weather conditions, supply chain issues, or site access challenges.
| Location | Status |
|---|---|
|
24 Avenue S.W. and 24 Street S.W. - View map |
Complete |
|
Glenmore Trail S.W. at Lake View Golf Course - View map |
Substantially complete. Landscaping and final touch-ups will be finished in spring 2026. |
|
Crowchild Trail S.W. (east side), between 53 Ave S.W. and 50 Ave S.W. - View map |
In progress. Construction began in 2025 and expected to be complete by spring 2026. |
|
Southland Drive S.E. (south side), west of Wilde Road S.E. - View map |
Complete |
|
Southland Drive S.E. (south side), from Fairmount Drive S.E. to 5 Street S.E. - View map |
Complete |
|
Southland Drive S.E. (south side), from Acadia Drive S.E. to Maple Creek Drive S.E. - View map |
Complete |
|
Southland Drive S.E. (south side), from Maple Creek Drive to Blackfoot Trail S.E. - View map |
Complete |
|
Southland Drive S.W. & 14 Street S.W. (Phase 2 – Red Wall, eastbound) – View map |
Complete |
|
Southland Drive S.E. (north side), from 7 Street S.E. to Archwood Road S.E. - View map |
Complete |
Step-by-step process (replacement/repairs)
Frequently asked questions (replacement/repairs)
How often are existing noise barrier walls inspected?
The City does a detailed inspection of noise barriers in good or acceptable condition every two years. Noise barriers identified as being in poor condition are inspected annually.
What construction is involved to replace an aging noise barrier?
Construction generally begins with the demolition of the existing noise barrier wall. Once complete, a utility survey is done to understand the location, depth and type of underground utilities. New piles are installed into the ground. Once the concrete piles have been installed, the new concrete noise barrier panels are put into place. Minor works, including landscaping, may follow as necessary.
I think the noise barrier adjacent to my property needs to be replaced. What can I do?
Reach out to 311 to generate a service request for The City to review. |
How are existing noise barriers identified for replacement or repair?
Noise barriers are identified for replacement or repair based on condition survey information, which is then prioritized in respect to the available budget.
How much money has been allocated by Council to repair and/or replace existing noise barriers?
The estimated budget is $6.12 million for the 2023-2026 noise barrier replacement locations.
Noise level criteria
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.
Typical noise levels in daily life
-
Truck at 15 metres
Noise level (decibels): 65-70 dBA
-
Business office
Noise level (decibels): 65 dBA
-
Conversational speech at 1 metre
Noise level (decibels): 60 dBA
-
Light auto traffic at 30 metres
Noise level (decibels): 50 dBA
-
Living room
Noise level (decibels): 40 dBA
-
Library
Noise level (decibels): 35 dBA
-
Soft whisper at 5 metres
Noise level (decibels): 20-35 dBA
