The completion of the traffic noise barrier project HAM-71-11.44 in Ohio was met with strong reaction from those living in the project area. Many residents complained that noise levels had actually increased at their location as a result of the project, while others claimed that levels had decreased where they lived. The preliminary assessment project was initiated to determine the nature and extent of any problems that had occurred with the construction of the noise barriers. A two-pronged approach was used for the study. First, a survey of residents was conducted to characterize the residents' perception of changes in noise levels due to construction of the barriers. Second, a physical investigation of the project area was made, which included roadway and barrier geometries, traffic characteristics before and after barrier construction, and acoustical measurements to characterize the noise environment in the project area.