Abstract: An acoustical barrier wall includes a base; a plurality of acoustical panels sized for vertically stacked co-operating engagement, each panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; at least one pair of H-beams spaced in a row and extending vertically upward from the base, one H-beam being adapted to supportingly receive the first side edge of each panel and the other H-beam being adapted to supportingly receive the second side edge of each panel; and means for protecting the first and second side edges of at least one panel. In the preferred embodiment, the means for protecting the first and second side edges is at least one protective sleeve mounted on the first or second side edge of at least one panel. The protective sleeve is slidably mounted on the side edge and is made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene.