Sonic crystals (SC) have emerged as a promising alternative to solid noise barriers, offering comparable attenuation properties with improved design flexibility. This study presents the design and analysis of a sonic crystal noise barrier covered with absorbing material to reduce urban traffic noise. The scatterers are designed to meet urban aesthetic requirements, with a maximum height of 1 m and a diameter of 8 cm. Numerical simulations and experimental work were conducted to evaluate the sound absorption and insertion loss of the barrier. The results highlight the distinct roles of the rigid core and absorbing material layer, showing significant noise attenuation across a wide frequency range. This research demonstrates the potential of combining absorbing material with rigid structures to develop effective noise barriers for urban environments. Furthermore, it details nonstandard methods to test the attenuation of the barrier. The findings contribute to advancing the practical application of sonic crystals in addressing traffic noise challenges while maintaining aesthetic and functional considerations.