Metrorail Acoustical Barrier Replacement Program

The Metrorail Acoustical Barrier Replacement Program consists of the installation of acoustical barriers with associated hardware along the Metrorail system where type “B” concrete barriers have been removed. The program spans along the Metrorail alignment except for the Airport and Palmetto extensions as well as a half-mile stretch between the Brickell and Vizcaya Metrorail stations.

The new barriers are intended to abate sound/noise produced by passing trains, ultimately limiting its propagation to adjacent properties. The newly designed acoustical barriers being installed have a modern look, are lightweight, and known for their strength and ease of installation and maintenance. These sleek and strong acoustical barriers have been tested to resist the most extreme weather conditions.

All work is being performed on an electrified, elevated guideway system at night and some weekends. The program is intended to replace only the type “B” acoustical barriers previously removed from the Metrorail guideway.

Program Extension

In December 2023, DTPW received approval from the Board of County Commissioners to expand the scope of work to include the replacement of 100% of the remaining acoustical barrier inventory.

Projected completion dates:

Phase 3 (Initial work) – Projected to be completed by the end of 2024
Project extension (Added work areas) – Projected to be completed in the summer of 2025

In 2019, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) launched - what would become - a three-phase acoustical barrier replacement program. Currently, phases 1 and 2 have been completed. The first two phases of the program involved the removal of the type “B” barrier.

On Jan. 4, 2021, the DTPW entered phase 3 of the program which entails the replacement of the acoustical barriers in the areas where the type “B” panels were previously removed. The $82 million program investment is due for completion in early 2024.

Currently, the program is well underway as new acoustical barrier is being installed along the Metrorail system, except for the Airport and Palmetto extensions as well as a half-mile area between the Brickell and Vizcaya Metrorail stations. To minimize the impact of the program, most of the work is taking place late at night with some weekend work when ridership is at its lowest.

The new barriers are intended to abate sound/noise produced by passing trains, ultimately limiting its propagation to adjacent properties.

For specific questions, contact Scott Brand the project’s Public Information Officer (PIO) at [email protected] for more current information on the estimated timeframe for installations.
How long is the acoustical barrier replacement program?

The program is estimated to be completed in early 2024.

How is the acoustical barrier replacement program broken down?

The program is broken down into three phases – phases 1 and 2 involved the removal of type “B” panels (lightweight concrete) and phase 3 entails the replacement of the acoustical barriers in the areas where the type “B” panels were previously removed.

Where is the acoustical barrier replacement program located?

The program spans along the Metrorail system, except for the Airport and Palmetto extensions as well as other as other isolated areas on the guideway.

When are the acoustical barrier replacement panels going to be installed near my home or workplace (specific locations)?

For specific questions, contact Scott Brand the project’s Public Information Officer (PIO) at [email protected] for more current information on the estimated timeframe for installations.

Will the acoustical barriers that were removed previously be installed again and when will they be installed?

Yes, all acoustical barriers that were removed will be replaced by early 2024.

Will all acoustical barriers on the entire system be replaced with new sound mitigation panels?

No, only acoustical barriers previously removed will be replaced.

What are acoustical sound barriers?

As related to our Metrorail elevated guideway, an acoustical barrier is an element that is installed along the edge of the guideway to abate sound/noise produced by a passing train therefore limiting propagation of sound/noise to adjacent properties.

What is the cost of the acoustical barrier replacement program?

The total investment is approximately $82 million.

When does the Contractor work on the acoustical barrier replacement program?

The contractor works mainly at night and some weekends.

Why are the acoustical barriers not being installed at the roadway intersections at this time, but they are installed before and after the intersections?

This is part of the contractor's means and methods and will be installed later.

Why do I see gaps between the already installed acoustical barriers?

This is part of the contractor’s means and methods, and the gaps will be filled as the work progresses.

Who can answer any questions about the acoustical barrier replacement program?
Scott Brand can be reached by phone at 786-409-5548, extension 201, or via email at [email protected]. Scott can also be reached by filling out the Feedback form.

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