Abstract: A crashworthy traffic noise barrier system for use alongside a path of traffic, the crashworthy traffic noise barrier system comprises a crashworthy longitudinal barrier extending substantially parallel to the path of traffic and a crashworthy traffic noise barrier wall supported by the longitudinal barrier. The crashworthy traffic noise barrier wall includes a plurality of upstanding posts attached to the traffic noise barrier wall, at least one panel supported between each adjacent pair of posts in the plurality of upstanding posts, and at least one longitudinal beams spaced above a top surface of the longitudinal barrier and extending across the plurality of upstanding posts for redirecting a portion of an errant vehicle away from the at least one panel. The longitudinal beams redirect energy of the errant vehicle away from the panels such that the panels and any fragments of the panels, remain attached to the traffic noise barrier wall.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a traffic noise barrier wall of the type including opposing slots formed in pairs of vertically-mounted posts is described. The panel assembly includes a sheet, which may be transparent, and a frame disposed along at least a portion of the perimeter of the sheet. Side portions of the frame capture at least a portion of the side edges of the sheet and are received within the opposing slots in drop-down fashion.

Abstract: A traffic noise barrier system includes a longitudinal barrier and a traffic noise barrier wall. The traffic noise barrier wall is supported by the longitudinal barrier and is spaced apart from a back surface of the longitudinal barrier in a direction away from the path of traffic. Transverse beams attach the longitudinal barrier to the noise barrier wall, and a structure may be placed across the transverse beams for catching debris. Each panel in the plurality of panels may be interconnected by a cable to an adjacent panel or an upstanding post, and each post may be interconnected by a cable and/or bar. The traffic noise barrier wall is preferably positioned at a distance greater than about 18 inches from a front surface of the longitudinal barrier, and more preferably is positioned at a distance greater than about 34 inches from the front surface.