Metrorail Acoustical Barrier Replacement Program

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

On Jan. 4, 2021, the DTPW entered phase 3 of the program which included the replacement of the acoustical barriers in the areas where the type “B” panels were previously removed.  The total investment for this program was approximately $82 million.

Currently, the program is well underway as new acoustical barriers 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 took place late at night with some weekend work when ridership is typical lower.

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

For specific questions, contact Antonio Ranero at [email protected].

• 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 was the acoustical barrier replacement program completed?
  The program started in 2019, it was later extended in 2023 and completed in the summer of 2025.
• How was the acoustical barrier replacement program broken down?
  The program was broken down into three phases – phases 1 and 2 involved the removal of type “B” panels (lightweight concrete) and phase 3 entailed 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.
• Where were the acoustical barrier replacement panels installed?
  The new panels were installed along the entire Metrorail system, except for the Airport and Palmetto extensions, as well as other isolated areas on the guideway. For questions, please contact Antonio Ranero at [email protected]
• Who can answer any questions about the acoustical barrier replacement program?
  For questions regarding this program, please contact Antonio Ranero at [email protected]