New noise barrier for Grünau: Construction starts in August 2025!

New noise barrier for Grünau: Construction starts in August 2025!

A significant construction project is imminent in Zurich that could significantly improve the quality of life of residents in the Grünau district. Work on a new noise barrier along Bernerstrasse North will begin in mid-August 2025. This measure is part of the comprehensive renovation of a section of the national highway, which aims to reduce noise pollution for residents. The noise barrier will extend over a length of 850 meters and reach a height of 4.5 meters, which should mean a noticeable improvement in the living environment. nau.ch reports that ...

As part of this project, not only the noise barrier itself, but also noise-reducing road surfaces, lower speed limits and adapted traffic routing are being implemented. The construction work for the concrete elements is scheduled for the period from August to November 2025. The installation of the actual glass panes, which will act as part of the noise barrier, is expected to take place between October and November 2025. The entire noise barrier is scheduled to be completed by January 2026, although dates may vary due to weather.

Design and vision

The design of the noise barrier has not only functional but also aesthetic goals. The city of Zurich is striving to visually enhance the area and wants the noise barrier to become an identity-creating element for the residents. For this purpose, an ideas competition for the design of the noise barrier was held in 2013. The 32 proposals received were evaluated by a jury made up of city representatives, architecture and art experts and district representatives. Strichfest reports that...

The noise barrier will consist of specially treated glass elements that not only have a sound-absorbing effect, but also act as a filter between the highway and the residential area. These glass elements are designed with different etchings and degrees of transparency and are intended to reflect light and movements of vehicles and people. This creates an interaction that is intended to give the Grünau district a lively atmosphere in addition to the protective properties of the wall.

Project sponsor and financing

The federal government and the city of Zurich are working together on this important construction project. Astras is responsible as the builder and bears the costs of the project. The aim is to find a sustainable solution that ensures the quality of life in the Grünau district in the long term and combines modern standards for living space and traffic routing. The noise barrier is therefore viewed not just as a technical measure, but as an integral part of a future-oriented city plan.