The Challenge

The Pattullo Bridge is an important link between Surrey and New Westminster in BC — making its replacement a major construction project. 

The Kiewit Corporation was tasked with working on the entry and exit portions of the bridge. Not only did this require complex horizontal directional drilling, but the project presented many obstacles: 

• Close residential neighborhoods required significant noise mitigation 
• Nearby powerlines limited sound barrier height 
• Equipment needed to be frequently relocated as work progressed

The combination of these factors created a challenging environment where traditional fixed noise barriers wouldn’t work, yet effective sound control was essential. 

The Solution 

Environmental Noise Control (ENC) partnered with FDI Acoustics to create a noise mitigation strategy tailored to the unique constraints of the Pattullo Bridge project.

• 24-foot SK8 freestanding sound barrier panels installed around critical noise-generating equipment
• Modular design configured to work around existing powerline restrictions
• Flexible deployment system that allowed for quick repositioning as equipment moved 
• Strategic placement to maximize noise mitigation for residential areas

The Results

By implementing our plan, Kiewit was able to maintain good community relations while efficiently progressing with its operations in Vancouver. The new four-lane bridge will provide important improvements, including: 

• Wider lanes, separated by a center median barrier
• Dedicated walking and cycling lanes, separated from traffic by a barrier on both sides of the bridge
• Safer connections to, from, and near the bridge

The new bridge is scheduled to open in 2025.

Noisey Project Coming Up? Let’s Talk 

The Pattullo Bridge project demonstrates Environmental Noise Control’s ability to provide effective noise mitigation solutions in challenging urban construction environments. Sound familiar? Check out our comprehensive noise mitigation services.