Canberra Avenue was constructed in 1982 as a new alignment for part of the Kings Highway. The road is two lanes in each direction connecting Queanbeyan and the Australian Capital Territory.

Following a number of complaints about noise levels, Canberra Avenue was included on Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority)'s Noise Abatement Program priority list to assess the practicality, criteria, and funding for noise treatments.

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) prioritises noise reduction projects on a statewide basis. Sites are considered for treatment on the basis of the prevailing noise exposure, length of occupancy, practical installation, visual impacts and cost effectiveness.

Noise walls were installed near Nimmitabel Street using lightweight concrete panels in December 2005. In 2008 Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) laid noise-reducing asphalt along Canberra Avenue. A recent road traffic noise assessment showed that these measures have contributed to a significant reduction in noise levels for nearby residents.

In early 2011 Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) sought comments from residents on the southern side of Canberra Avenue around Gilmore Place earlier in 2011 on the best way to treat noise in this area. These options included:

• Architectural treatment to those dwellings affected by a level of noise above the criteria specified by NSW guidelines. This would provide noise mitigation to residents currently affected by noise but would not screen the road. Architectural treatments may include sealing of wall vents, upgrading windows and door seals, glazing windows, supplemented by the installation of fresh air ventilation systems.
• Building a noise wall up to 3.5 metres high. This would reduce noise levels to backyards and internal rooms to some residents but it would also create a significant visual impact and block winter sun on some properties.
• Privacy screening such as fencing or landscaping only.