Sustainable Noise Barrier in Ribe

DAV NORDIC has installed a 500-meter-long noise barrier along Route 11 in Ribe on behalf of Barslund. DAV NORDIC was responsible for both the design and installation.

DAV NORDIC has installed a noise barrier along Route 11 in Ribe on behalf of Barslund. DAV NORDIC was in charge of both design and installation. The barrier has been constructed using recycled acrylic panels that were previously used in a noise barrier along the Silkeborg motorway.

Contractor for a New Recycling Project

As the contractor for the project, DAV NORDIC carried out the design work, drafting, and installation of the final product.

During the design phase, DAV NORDIC focused on minimising risks that could affect the project’s progress. One of the identified risks was the location where the noise barrier was to be installed. The area is open and exposed to both high water levels and strong winds. These outdoor environmental factors became critical to the project’s design.

The challenge of high water levels results in a high groundwater table. This required the columns for the barrier to be driven deeper into the ground than is usually necessary for a 3-meter-high barrier. Due to soft soil conditions and strong winds, it was essential that the foundations were dimensioned to withstand wind loads.

Johny Poulsen, project manager at DAV NORDIC

DAV NORDIC aimed to design a noise barrier that could be installed effortlessly without compromising its visual expression. The intention was to make the barrier as transparent as possible, using a minimal number of columns and mullions. This way, the view and natural light for surrounding homes are not significantly affected.

Sustainable Material Choice

The idea to build the new noise barrier from recycled materials also played a crucial role during the design process. Approximately 470 acrylic panels were dismantled from another project, and nearly all of them had to be reused to ensure there were enough materials for the full 530-meter barrier.

Knowing that every single panel was vital for the finished structure, the installation had to be planned with care while maintaining a reasonable work pace. Installation-friendliness is an area DAV NORDIC dedicates time and resources to, taking pride in its expertise. The result was a design that seamlessly combined a safe working environment for the installers, adjustment flexibility, and the right balance between caution and efficiency. It was a success—no panels were damaged during installation.

Johny Poulsen says:
“Using recycled materials in new infrastructure projects is a solid, concrete initiative. It’s one way to approach a greener transition—and with a sharp focus during the planning phase, we can reach the finish line successfully.”

Timeline Challenges

The expansion of the bypass road from two to four lanes posed an extra complexity during installation. The area experienced high construction activity, which increased traffic pressure on Plantagevej, where the noise barrier was being installed. This limited the workspace available to DAV NORDIC’s installation team.

To ensure the project was completed within the agreed timeframe, continuous and effective communication between main contractor Barslund and DAV NORDIC was essential, since the road expansion and noise barrier installation happened concurrently. The solution involved not only a focus on communication, but also mutual flexibility and support between the parties when needed.

DAV NORDIC is therefore especially proud to have delivered an impressive result within the agreed deadline.

Comprehensive Delivery for the Entire Area

DAV NORDIC has not only delivered and installed the noise barrier along Highway 11. In connection with the project, DAV NORDIC also delivered and installed 300 meters of STP XS type guardrail and H2W2 type bridge guardrail along the same road.

Additionally, 120 meters of louvre railings—installed in a curved alignment to follow the bicycle path’s descent under Highway 11—and matching handrails mounted on newly built concrete stairs were also delivered and installed by DAV NORDIC.

Both motorists and vulnerable road users can now travel safely through the area.

Gallery from the project

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