The $8 million noise wall between Stanley Avenue and Stephensons Road has been criticised by surrounding residents for amplifying freeway traffic noise.

Test results found that freeway noise did not exceed VicRoad's noise threshold at any of the wall's testing sites.

The authority's policy is to take corrective action if noise exceeds 68 decibels at any testing site for 10per cent of the time between 6am and midnight on a particular day.

The threshold is well above the 50-55 decibel "annoyance" threshold for outdoor conditions set by the World Health Organisation, and two decibels lower than the "hearing impairment" threshold for continuous traffic noise.

VicRoads conducted noise testing from September-December "for information only" during freeway works, with more tests planned for later this year, when works are completed.

Bales Street resident "Brett", who lives several hundred metres north of the freeway, said VicRoads recorded 61 decibels from the rear of his property and 58.3 decibels from the front.

He said VicRoads' threshold should be lowered.

"I'm further away from the freeway than most houses. I shouldn't be at 61 decibels and neither should anyone. Why build a wall that makes people's lives worse?"

VicRoads acting regional director Dean Zabrieszach said the VicRoads noise standards were in line with international standards, particularly the UK.

NOISE BARRIERS: HOW NOISE AFFECTS YOU

EnvironmentCritical health effectSound level dBTime in hours

Outdoor living areasAnnoyance50-5516

BedroomsSleep disturbance308

Industrial, commercial and traffic areasHearing impairment7024

Music through earphonesHearing impairment851

Ceremonies and entertainmentHearing impairment1004

World Health Organisation, Guidelines for Community Noise 1999 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/fa ctsheets/fs258/en/