Tailor-made noise protection on the A6 in Bern Ostring

The noisiest residential area in Switzerland - the houses north of Freudenbergplatz in the east of Bern - loses its top position. As part of the breakdown lane reuse on the A6 motorway, dimensioned noise protection measures are being implemented by Grolimund + Partner. In the 15 years since the start of planning for the pilot project, G+P has contributed its many years of know-how to provide the Federal Roads Office and residents with customised solutions for noise protection.

Tailor-made noise protection on the A6 in Bern Ostring
Tailor-made noise protection on the A6 in Bern Ostring

Breakdown lane reuse and noise protection go hand in hand

To increase the flow of traffic, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is installing an emergency lane reuse (PUN) on the A6 motorway between Wankdorf and Muri between 2021 and 2023.  This will allow additional lanes to be temporarily opened at peak times. Grolimund + Partner has planned extensive noise protection measures over the last 15 years, which will be implemented as part of the construction work for the PUN. Firstly, a noise-reducing surface will be installed on the entire section. Secondly, new noise barriers will be built and existing ones replaced in several areas.
 

G+P calculates noise and plans measures for complex situations

By means of a three-dimensional noise model, G+P has investigated the impact on noise pollution of driving on the additional lanes. As a result, G+P has specified complex, cantilevered noise barriers, particularly to the north of Freudenbergplatz, which in some cases significantly increase the quality of life for residents.

Visualisierung_Lärmschutzwände_PUN_Ostring
Visualisation of the cantilevered noise barriers north of Freudenbergerplatz before and with the PUN project (Source: ASTRA).

Construction during operation places the highest demands on everyone involved. From an acoustic point of view, the detailed noise protection planning during the construction activities was challenging. This is because the road noise during the approx. 2-year construction work leads to higher noise pollution due to the temporary lack of noise barriers. In addition, there is construction noise, some of which also occurs during the night.
 

G+P offers innovative noise protection solutions for every phase

G+P has responded to these treacherous challenges. Together with FEDRO, a wide range of partly unique, innovative solutions were planned and implemented against both construction noise and road noise. Firstly, noise protection mats between the buildings prevent noise from entering the neighbourhood unhindered. Secondly, noise protection curtains in front of the façades reduce the noise exposure for the living spaces on the road side.

Temporäre_Lärmschutzmassnahme
Temporary noise protection measures on Giacomettistrasse (Source: G+P AG).

The measures implemented by G+P against construction noise, which also include extensive noise and vibration monitoring at numerous neighbouring properties, lead to temporary protection of approx. 200 flats around Freudenbergerplatz.
 

Bern East Bypass as a vision for the future

The A6 motorway between Bern and Thun was opened at the end of the 1960s. The lane routing planned at the time in the east of Bern did not always take existing residential quarters into consideration. Having the motorway right on the doorstep was more important than noise protection back then.

Bern_Ostring_1969_vs_2019
In 1969, shortly before the opening of the motorway between Thun and Bern, the section north of Freudenbergerplatz had not yet been built. 50 years later, massive noise barriers are visible to protect these properties (source: keystone, FEDRO).

The noise protection, planned by G+P as part of the PUN, will sustainably improve the noise situation in the entire section between Wankdorf and Muri. However, the PUN is only a transitional measure until the Bern East Bypass is implemented in about 25 years. G+P has been intensively involved for five years in this visionary project, which includes a relief tunnel between Muri and the Zentrum Paul Klee. The existing motorway will be partially deconstructed, which will enable the long-awaited urban repair, including in the Freudenbergerplatz area.