A traffic noise barrier system includes a longitudinal barrier and a traffic noise barrier wall. The traffic noise barrier wall is supported by the longitudinal barrier and is spaced apart from a back surface of the longitudinal barrier in a direction away from the path of traffic. Transverse beams attach the longitudinal barrier to the noise barrier wall, and a structure may be placed across the transverse beams for catching debris. Each panel in the plurality of panels may be interconnected by a cable to an adjacent panel or an upstanding post, and each post may be interconnected by a cable and/or bar. The traffic noise barrier wall is preferably positioned at a distance greater than about 18 inches from a front surface of the longitudinal barrier, and more preferably is positioned at a distance greater than about 34 inches from the front surface.