What are good types plants to plant by a fence to ensure privacy and possibly lesson the noise of traffic?

You can grow your own living privacy fence. Tall, slender trees and shrubs such as Blue Angel holly (Ilex Ymeserveae 'Blue Angel'), Emerald arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald'), columnar Norway maple (Acer platanoides 'Columnare'), and Skyrocket juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket') are ideal for corner lots such as yours, where space and privacy are at a premium. They also are perfect for exposed front entries.