I-70/I-71 SOUTH INNERBELT SECTION 3 I-70/I-71 EAST INTERCHANGE FRA PID Traffic Noise Report

Transcription

1 I-70/I-71 SOUTH INNERBELT SECTION 3 I-70/I-71 EAST INTERCHANGE FRA PID Traffic Noise Report February 2010

2 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 1 2. Introduction 2 3. Noise Analysis Overview 3 Noise Monitoring 3 Noise Modeling 3 4. Impact Assessment 5 NSA 1 7 NSA 2 8 NSA 3W 9 NSA 3E 9 NSA Noise Abatement 13 NSA 1 14 NSA 3E 15 6 Undeveloped Lands Construction Noise Conclusion 16 Figures 18 Appendices Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 Noise Monitoring Data Monitoring Notification Letter Certified Traffic TNM Verification Model TNM Existing Conditions Model TNM Build Conditions Model TNM Barrier Evaluation ms consultants, inc. February 2010

3 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this analysis was to determine the potential traffic noise impacts and possible traffic noise mitigation associated with the East Interchange portion of the I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt project in Columbus, Ohio. ms consultants, inc. conducted this traffic noise analysis according to the procedures contained in ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise dated August 2008, FHWA s Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement, Policy and Guidance (June 1995), and 23 CFR 772, Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic and Construction Noise. An ambient noise survey was conducted in the East Interchange project area to obtain existing traffic noise levels. FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (Version 2.5) computer program was used to predict the Existing and Design Year noise levels generated by traffic on the I-70 and I-71 mainlines, existing and proposed ramps, and nearby city streets. Where traffic noise impacts were identified, the acoustical performance and reasonability cost effectiveness of mitigation via structural noise barriers was evaluated using TNM 2.5. In accordance with ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise., the project area was divided into four Noise Study Areas (NSA): NSA 1: This NSA includes the Africentric School building, athletic fields, and numerous buildings along Livingston Avenue. Year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels at the Africentric School Campus and at the first row of receivers along Livingston Avenue are considered a noise impact. Constructing two 14 high noise barriers could reduce noise levels at the Africentric School building and at the portions of the Africentric School athletic fields closest to I-70/71. However, these barriers cannot reduce noise levels at the residential structures along Livingston Avenue because that noise is due in large part to traffic on Livingston Avenue. The construction of the Africentric School barriers is recommended. Furthermore, the Africentric School building may be eligible for structural noise insulation; therefore, inspection of the school building and further discussions with Columbus Public Schools are recommended. NSA 2: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the residential and commercial area east of Grant Avenue north of the I-70/71 mainline. The area is dominated by an recently constructed apartment building identified as the Commons at Grant and the Columbus Public Schools food distribution facility. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 2. Because the predicted traffic noise levels are below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts are predicted in NSA 2. NSA 3W: NSA 3W is a commercial area with office buildings, including a building that houses Franklin County Children s Services, in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange. Field review determined that there were no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 3W. Because predicted traffic noise levels were below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts were predicted in NSA 3W. NSA 3E: NSA 3E includes the residential area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange, south of Main Street. Year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels in this NSA will approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses. It was determined that constructing a high noise barrier would reduce noise levels at numerous residential receivers. The construction of Barrier 3 in NSA 3E is recommended. NSA 4: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Nationwide Children s Hospital (NCH) campus located south of the I-70/71 East Interchange at Parsons Avenue. In addition to the multiple NCH buildings, there is some commercial land use along the western edge of this NSA. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 4. Because the predicted traffic noise levels are below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts are predicted in NSA 4. ms consultants, inc. February

4 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 2. INTRODUCTION A. Purpose of the Analysis The purpose of this analysis was to determine the potential traffic noise impacts and possible traffic noise mitigation associated with the East Interchange portion selected alternative for the I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt project in the City of Columbus, Ohio (See Figure 1). A Preliminary Noise Analysis Report (ms consultants, inc. October 2006) compared the noise impacts associated with the two feasible alternatives for the entire project. B. Description of the Project The I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt corridor in downtown Columbus has been under study for the past few years for possible improvements. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) an Environmental Assessment for the project was prepared in 2008 and on July 10, 2009 the Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project. Additional information on the overall project is available at The overall project limits are as follows: I-70 from Sullivant Avenue to just east of Miller Avenue, a distance of 4.25 miles. I-71 from south of Greenlawn Avenue to the I-670 interchange, a distance of 5.15 miles. SR 315 from the I-70/I-71 interchange to Broad Street, a distance of 0.65 miles. The selected alternative (Mound-Fulton) involves the following improvements to the freeway system: Relocating the travel lanes on I-70 and I-71. Constructing additional through-lanes on I-70 and I-71. Reconfiguring the I-70/I-71/SR 315 interchange (a.k.a. West Interchange). Reconfiguring the I-70/I-71 interchange (a.k.a. East Interchange). Consolidating/moving existing downtown entrance/exit ramps. The selected alternative will separate motorists traveling through downtown from those traveling into/out of downtown by locating downtown exit ramps at the periphery of the I-70/I-71 overlap section. With either alternative, motorists traveling into/out of downtown would use modified city streets (Collector- Distributor Streets) running parallel to the freeway to connect with the downtown street network. The East Interchange portion of the overall project involves the I-70/I-71 interchange near Parsons Avenue (See Figure 2). For the purpose of this study, the East Interchange project limits are as follows: I-70 from Grant Street to 18 th Street, a distance of 0.75 miles. I-71 from I-70 to Main Street, a distance of 0.35 miles. The East Interchange project also involves improvements to portions of Fulton Street, Mound Street, and Parsons Avenue. C. Description of the Project Area The East Interchange project area is a montage of dense urban development and redevelopment including single-family homes, multi-family homes, a school with recreational areas, a hospital, and numerous commercial structures. ms consultants, inc. February

5 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 3. NOISE ANALYSIS OVERVIEW The East Interchange portion of the overall I-70/I-71 project will add capacity to the interstate highway and local streets as well as substantially alter the vertical and horizontal geometry of the highways and streets. Therefore, ms consultants, inc. conducted this traffic noise analysis according to the procedures contained in ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise dated August 2008, FHWA s Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement, Policy and Guidance (June 1995), and 23 CFR 772, Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic and Construction Noise. A. Noise Monitoring An ambient noise survey was conducted at three sites in the East Interchange project area to obtain existing traffic noise levels. Standardized field data sheets for existing condition documentation were also completed at every ambient noise monitoring site. Monitoring of existing noise levels was performed in accordance with the procedures set forth in ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise dated August 2008 and Measurement of Highway-Related Noise (FHWA 1996). Survey data was collected with Quest Q300 Datalogging Noise Dosimeters in June The weather during the monitoring period was partly cloudy to sunny with a light variable breeze. Traffic counts (autos, medium trucks, and heavy trucks) were obtained at several noise monitoring sites via video tape during the monitoring period. Monitoring was conducted in 15 minute intervals and the maximum, minimum, and equivalent steady-state sound level (L eq ) was collected for each site. All monitoring was conducted between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. A previous study determined that traffic noise is consistent during these hours. Appendix 1 contains the noise monitoring data. Prior to beginning monitoring activities, property owner notification letters were sent to each location (See Appendix 2). Where appropriate, the property owner or on-site representative was contacted to obtain permission to enter the property and collect the noise data. The purpose of the ambient noise monitoring was to verify the accuracy of the FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (TNM Version 2.5) for this project area and document pre-construction noise levels. B. Noise Modeling FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (Version 2.5) computer program was used to predict the Existing and Design Year noise levels generated by traffic on the I-70 and I-71 mainlines, existing and proposed ramps, and nearby city streets. The Design Year analysis involved future traffic traveling on or accelerating to the design speed on the mainline, new ramps, and the revised city street network. Roadway location and elevation data was obtained from project specific mapping and roadway plans currently under development. The exact location and base elevations of potential noise barriers were developed using project specific mapping and preliminary cross-sections. Receiver location and elevation data was obtained from project specific mapping, available aerial photography, and field observation. Traffic data was obtained at the time of the short-term noise monitoring and from the Certified Traffic forecasts developed specifically for the project (See Appendix 3). TNM s Traffic Control Devices (a software function) were used to accurately account for vehicle acceleration on the improved on-ramp and at various traffic signals on the revised city street network. Based upon the Certified Traffic data, this report consider 2007 as the existing year. Future noise levels, impact assessment, and barrier evaluations are for the design year ms consultants, inc. February

6 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report C. Noise Impact Assessment According to 23 CFR 772 and ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise, a project is defined as having a traffic noise impact if either of the following conditions occur: 1. Predicted noise levels approach or exceed the FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) as presented in Table 1. Activity Category A (exterior) B (exterior) TABLE 1 FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA (23 CFR 772) Hourly Weighted Sound Levels db(a) Description of Leq(h) Activity Category 57 Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. 67 Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. C (exterior) 72 Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B above. D -- Undeveloped lands. E (interior) 52 Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and auditoriums. 2. Predicted noise levels are a substantial increase over the existing noise levels. According to ODOT s Standard procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise, a substantial increase occurs where the future noise level increases 10 db(a) or more above the existing noise level. Please note that there were no substantial increase impacts related to this project. D. Noise Mitigation According to ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and 23 CFR 772, when the predicted design year noise levels traffic result in a noise impact, noise mitigation must be considered. Traffic noise mitigation measures may include: Traffic management measures, Horizontal and vertical alignment modifications, Acquisition of right-of-way for buffer zones, Insulation of public or non-profit institutional structures, or Construction of noise barriers. Where appropriate, the feasibility (acoustical performance) and reasonability (cost effectiveness) of mitigation via structural noise barriers (walls) was evaluated using TNM 2.5. The exact location and base elevations of potential noise barriers were developed using project specific mapping and preliminary crosssections. Noise barrier costs were developed according to ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise. In addition to the predicted Insertion Loss (IL) resulting from any noise barrier, the barrier ability to break the Line-of-Sight was also considered when the final length and height were determined. Furthermore, any public or non-profit institutional structures that may be eligible for insulation have been identified. ms consultants, inc. February

7 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT A. Noise Study Areas (NSA) In accordance with ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise, the project area was divided into four Noise Study Areas (See Figure 3): NSA 1: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Africentric School building and athletic fields located south of the I- 70/71 mainline at Grant Avenue. This NSA also includes numerous commercial buildings along Livingston Avenue south of the school campus. While the school building is located just outside the limits of the East Interchange project, it has been included in this report so the school campus results are presented in one report. The Africentric School building has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the athletic fields have been determined to be a community recreational resource. Therefore, the campus is considered a Section 4(f) resource. NSA 2: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the residential and commercial area east of Grant Avenue north of the I-70/71 mainline. The area is dominated by an recently constructed apartment building identified as the Commons at Grant and the Columbus Public Schools food distribution facility. NSA 3: This Noise Study Area (NSA) has been divided in east and west sections. NSA 3W is a commercial area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange south of Main Street. NSA 3W includes the beginning of the new Mound Street urban arterial street. Land uses in NSA 3W are primarily office and commercial. As shown on Figure 5, NSA 3W also includes the building at 510 E. Mound which houses Franklin County Children s Services. NSA 3E includes the residential area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange, south of Main Street. The residential structures in NSA 3E are primarily single-family homes with some small older apartment buildings. NSA 4: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Nationwide Children s Hospital (NCH) campus located south of the I-70/71 East Interchange at Parsons Avenue. In addition to the multiple NCH buildings, there is some commercial land use along the western edge of this NSA. ms consultants, inc. February

8 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report B. Noise Monitoring Ambient noise monitoring was conducted in June 2009, during weather conditions suitable for outdoor activity. Three sites in the East Interchange project area were monitored for a period of at least 15 minutes. Detailed information, including time-of-day and weather conditions, from the noise monitoring is contained in Appendix 1 and summarized below. Table 2 SECTION 3 -- Monitored Noise Levels db(a) Site # Monitored Noise Level Source 20 NCH Office Building 21 NCH Orthopedic Center 25 Africentric School 69.1 I-70/71 Traffic 74.5 I-70/71 Traffic 76.6 I-70/71 Traffic During traffic noise monitoring, traffic counts on I-70/71 were conducted using video tape and counted in the office. The directional traffic volume and percentage of medium or heavy trucks was determined via slow-motion playback. C. Noise Modeling In order to verify that TNM 2.5 was accurately predicting existing traffic noise in this project area, validation models were developed using observed traffic volumes. The NSA 1 validation model indicated that TNM was predicting existing noise levels accurately (+/- 3 db) and could be used without adjustment factors (See Table 4 and Appendix 4). Table 4 TNM Verification Existing Noise Levels db(a) Location (NSA 1) Monitored Noise Level TNM Predicted Level Site (+2.5) Site (-2.2) Site (+2.3) Because TNM was predicting existing noise levels accurately, the verification model was expanded to predict existing peak-hour noise levels. For this study, peak-hour was assumed to be the existing AM design-hour traffic volumes documented in the project area (See Appendix 1). Appendix 5 contains the TNM output from the existing conditions model of each NSA. This modeled existing noise level was later used as the existing noise level in future build and barrier evaluation models. FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (Version 2.5) computer program was used to predict the design year noise levels. Appendix 6 contains the TNM output from the future build conditions model of each NSA. Based upon the Certified Traffic data, this report considers 2007 as the existing year. Future noise levels, impact assessment, and barrier evaluations are for the design year ms consultants, inc. February

9 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report NSA 1 This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Africentric School building and athletic fields located south of the I-70/71 mainline at Grant Avenue. This NSA also includes numerous commercial buildings and a few residential structures along Livingston Avenue south of the school campus (See Figure 4). As shown in Table 5, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels ranged from 62 to 76 decibels at the Africentric School Campus. These noise levels approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses. Year 2035 build peak-hour noise levels ranged from 68 to 70 decibels at the first row of receivers along Livingston Avenue. The noise levels along Livingston Avenue will also approach or exceed FHWA NAC for residential land uses which are mixed with the commercial sites. The second and third row receivers back of Livingston do approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B. Table 5 NSA 1 -- Predicted Noise Levels db(a) Receiver Existing Build Increase Impact 3 ACS Bldg YES 4 ACS Bldg Site YES 5 ACS Yard YES 6 ACS Court YES 7 ACS APF YES 8 ACS APF YES 9 ACS Track YES 10 ACS Vstands YES 12-II ACS Bldg II ACS Walk II ACS Court YES 15-II ACS BBF II ACS Ezone YES 17-II ACS Cstand II Hstands L Comm L Comm L Res YES 33 L Res YES 34 L Res YES 35 L Comm L Res YES 37 L Comm L Comm L Res YES 40 L Comm L Comm L Comm II II II II ms consultants, inc. February

10 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 36-II III III III III III III III III IIIa IIIb III III III Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. Negative predicted noise increases are due to shielding provided by proposed trench retaining walls. NSA 2 This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the residential and commercial area east of Grant Avenue north of the I-70/71 mainline (See Figure 5). The area is dominated by an recently constructed apartment building identified as the Commons at Grant and the Columbus Public Schools food distribution facility. As shown in Table 6, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels ranged from 70 to 73 decibels at the Commons at Grant apartment complex. Field review determined that there are outdoor activity areas on the side of the complex facing I-70/71 (See Figure 5). Therefore, the applicable FHWA NAC is Activity Category E (interior). Because this apartment complex was constructed with single-pane or double-pane windows, according to FHWA guidance it can be assumed to have at least a 25 db difference between exterior and interior levels. Therefore, the highest exterior noise level equates to an interior noise level of 47.9 dba, which is below the FHWA NAC of 51 dba (See Table 1). As a result, the predicted traffic noise levels at the Commons at Grant apartment complex cannot be considered an impact. Table 6 also shows that year 2035 noise levels will be about 73 decibels at the Columbus Public Schools food distribution facility. As with the Commons at Grant apartment complex there are outdoor activity areas associated with this site and the predicted traffic noise levels cannot be considered an impact. Table 6 NSA 2 -- Predicted Noise Levels db(a) Receiver Existing Build Increase Interior Impact 13 Apt NO 14 Apts NO 15 Comm CPSfood NO 13-II Apts NO 14-II office IIa office IIb office IIa office IIb office Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. ms consultants, inc. February

11 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report NSA 3W NSA 3W includes the commercial area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange south of Main Street (See Figure 5). Land uses in NSA 3W are primarily office and commercial with only one possible residential structure. NSA 3W also includes the building at 510 E. Mound which houses Franklin County Children s Services As shown in Table 7, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels ranged from 75 to 65 decibels in NSA 3W. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas with the office and commercial buildings facing I-70/71 (See Figure 5). Therefore, the applicable FHWA NAC is Activity Category E (interior). Because the office and commercial buildings were constructed with single-pane or double-pane windows, according to FHWA guidance they can be assumed to have at least a 25 db difference between exterior and interior levels. Therefore, the highest exterior noise level (Receiver 4 office building) equates to an interior noise level of 50.1 dba, which is below the FHWA NAC of 51 dba (See Table 1). As a result, the predicted traffic noise levels in NSA 3W cannot be considered an impact. Table 7 NSA 3W -- Predicted Noise Levels db(a) Receiver Existing Build Increase Interior Impact 1 Comm Comm Comm NO 4 Comm NO 5 Comm (Children s Services) NO 6 Comm (Children s Services) NO 7 Comm (Children s Services) NO 8 Comm NO 9 Comm Comm Comm Comm NO 2-II Comm II Comm II Comm II Comm III Comm III Comm IIIa Comm IIIb RES II Comm NO 12-III Comm Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. NSA 3E NSA 3E includes the residential area in the northeast quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange south of Main Street (See Figure 6). The residential structures in NSA 3E are primarily single-family homes with some small older apartment buildings. As shown in Table 8, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels ranged from 73 to 56 decibels in NSA 3E. These noise levels approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses. ms consultants, inc. February

12 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Table 8 NSA 3E -- Predicted Noise Levels db(a) Receiver Existing Build Increase Impact YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES A HN House II YES 6-III III IV IV V II YES 12-II YES 13-II II II YES 16-II YES 15-IIa IIb IIc IId II III IV V VI I II ms consultants, inc. February

13 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 20-III IV B HN House II YES 21-III YES 21-IV YES 21-V YES 21-VI YES 22-V YES 23-V V V VI VI VI VII VII Va Vb Vc Vd Ve Vf Vg Va Vb Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. Negative predicted noise increases are due to shielding provided by proposed reconfiguration. ms consultants, inc. February

14 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report NSA 4 NSA 4 includes the Nationwide Children s Hospital (NCH) campus located south of the I-70/71 East Interchange at Parsons Avenue. In addition to the multiple NCH buildings, there is some commercial land use along the western edge of this NSA. (See Figure 7). As shown in Table 9, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels ranged from 76 to 59 decibels in NSA 4. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas on the NCH campus or at the commercial buildings facing I-70/71 (See Figure 7). Therefore, the applicable FHWA NAC is Activity Category E (interior). Because the hospital buildings are of modern masonry construction with doublepane windows, according to FHWA guidance they can be assumed to have a 35 db difference between exterior and interior levels. Therefore, the highest exterior noise level (Receiver 5 NCH ground level along Mooberry Street) equates to an interior noise level of 40.9 dba, which is below the FHWA NAC of 51 dba (See Table 1). As a result, the predicted traffic noise levels in NSA 4 cannot be considered an impact. Table 9 NSA 4 -- Predicted Noise Levels db(a) Receiver Existing Build Increase Interior Impact 1 Comm Comm NO 3 NCH Orthopedic (Site 21) NO 2-II Comm NO 4 NCH (Site 20) NO 5 NCH NO 4-IIa NCH IIb NCH high NO 5-IIa NCH IIb NCH IIc NCH NCH high NO 7 NCH III NCH high IIIa NCH high NO 5-IIIb NCH high NO Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. Negative predicted noise increases are due to shielding provided by proposed reconfiguration. Impact Assessment Summary Traffic noise impacts have been predicted in: NSA 1 - Africentric School building and athletic fields. NSA 3E - residential area in the northeast quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange. ms consultants, inc. February

15 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 5. Traffic Noise Consideration and Abatement Alternatives According to ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and 23 CFR 772, when the predicted design year noise levels approach or exceed FHWA NAC or when the predicted design year noise levels substantially increase over the existing sound levels, noise mitigation must be considered. Traffic noise mitigation measures may include: Traffic management measures, Horizontal and vertical alignment modifications, Acquisition of right-of-way for buffer zones, Insulation of public or non-profit institutional structures, or Construction of noise barriers. Traffic management measures which impose vehicle size or weight restrictions, lower speed limits, timeof-operation restrictions, or rerouting traffic were not considered appropriate as noise abatement measures on this project. Vehicle size or weight restrictions were not considered because it is impractical to prohibit heavy vehicles from using the I-70/I-71 interchange. Lowering the posted speed was not considered effective because of the subsequent reduction in highway capacity and incentive to use the highway. Timeof-operation constraints or the rerouting of traffic were also not appropriate for this project. Additional changes in vertical alignment or shifting the horizontal alignment of the I-70 or I-71 mainline, ramps, or city streets were not considered appropriate as noise abatement measures on this project. Alignment modifications are constrained by the location of existing adjacent urban land uses. The development of buffer zones to provide noise mitigation was not considered appropriate as a noise abatement measure for this project. The amount of additional right-of-way required to create effective buffer zones would negatively impact existing adjacent urban land uses. Under 23 CFR Part 772, structural noise insulation can only be considered for public or nonprofit institutional buildings. In order to recommend a noise barrier for inclusion in a highway improvement project, ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and 23 CFR 772 require the barrier to be warranted, feasible, and reasonable. A noise barrier is warranted when the predicted design year no-barrier noise levels approach or exceed FHWA NAC or when the predicted design year no-barrier noise levels substantially increase over the existing sound levels and when other traffic noise mitigation measures are not appropriate for a project. If a noise barrier is warranted, its feasibility is investigated. A noise barrier is considered feasible when it can provide a substantial reduction in traffic noise. Specifically, ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise state that a barrier should provide an Insertion Loss of at least 5 dba at most of the first-row receivers. A noise barrier is also considered feasible if it is physically possible to construct and maintain, and if it does not create restrictions to drainage, utilities, vehicular or pedestrian traffic (including driveways) and if it does not create safety problems such as reduced sight distances and insufficient clear zones. Once a barrier location is determined to be feasible, its reasonableness is evaluated. A noise barrier is generally considered reasonable if cost per benefited dwelling unit is less than a specified cost per unit. Benefited dwelling units are those existing or planned residential units which are provided with a minimum Insertion Loss of 3 dba. To determine barrier reasonability, the total cost of the barrier is ms consultants, inc. February

16 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report determined by calculating the area of the wall in square feet (length multiplied by height) and multiplying this area by $25 per square foot. This cost is then divided by the number of benefited dwelling units. ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise states that noise barriers exceeding $30,000 per benefited dwelling unit are not considered reasonable. At this time there is no standard cost reasonable calculation for public or nonprofit institutional buildings such as the Africentric School building or recreational area. For the East Interchange project, the feasibility and economic reasonability of potential barriers in NSA 1 and NSA 3E were evaluated using the FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (TNM) Version 2.5. NSA 1 As shown in Table 5, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels are predicted to approach or exceed FHWA NAC at the Africentric School Campus and at residential structures along Livingston Avenue. It was determined that constructing two 14 high noise barriers (total length 2000 ) would reduce noise levels about 12 decibels at the Africentric School building (See Table 11). Furthermore, these barriers would reduce traffic noise by 7-11 decibels at the portions of the Africentric School Athletic Fields closest to I-70/71. The total cost has been estimated at $ 709,695 (See Appendix 7). It should be noted that the Africentric School barriers cannot reduce noise levels at the residential structures along Livingston Avenue because that noise is due in large part to traffic on Livingston Avenue. Constructing noise barriers along Livingston Avenue was not considered feasible because such barriers would create restrictions to numerous existing driveways. Receiver Table 11 NSA 1 -- AFRICENTRIC SCHOOL BARRIERS Predicted Noise Reduction db(a) Year 2035 Build Year 2035 Build With Barrier Noise Reduction (IL) 3 ACS Bldg ACS Bldg Site ACS Yard ACS Court ACS APF ACS APF ACS Track ACS Vstands II ACS Bldg II ACS Walk II ACS Court II ACS BBF II ACS Ezone II Hstands Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. The construction of the Africentric School barriers can be considered warranted, feasible, and reasonable and is recommended. The recommended barrier is shown on Figure 4. Furthermore, the Africentric School building may be eligible for structural noise insulation such as the installation of central air conditioning, providing acoustical drapes, or the installation of double-paned windows and solid-core doors in lieu of structural noise barriers. Therefore, inspection of the school building and detailed discussions with Columbus Public Schools is recommended. ms consultants, inc. February

17 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report NSA 3E As shown in Table 8, year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels are predicted to approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses in this NSA. NSA 3E includes the residential area in the northeast quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange south of Main Street (See Figure 6). It was determined that constructing a high noise barrier (total length 1570 ) would reduce noise levels up to 11 decibels at numerous residential receivers (See Table 12). The total cost has been estimated to be $ 607,836 or $9,965 per dwelling unit (See Appendix 7). ODOT s Standard Procedures for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise states that noise barriers not exceeding $30,000 per benefited dwelling unit are considered reasonable. Receiver Table 12 NSA 3E BARRIER 3 Predicted Noise Reduction db(a) Year 2035 Build Year 2035 Build With Barrier Noise Reduction (IL) A HN House II III III IV IV V II II II II II II IIa ms consultants, inc. February

18 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 15-IIb IIc IId II III IV V VI I II III IV B HN House II III IV V VI V V V V VI VI VI VII VII Va Vb Vc Vd Ve Vf Vg Va Vb Note: Exterior noise levels highlighted in red approach or exceed FHWA NAC for that land use category. The construction of Barrier 3 in NSA 3E can be considered warranted, feasible, and reasonable and is recommended. The recommended barrier is shown on Figure UNDEVELOPED LANDS There is no undeveloped land in the I-70/71 East Interchange project area. 7. CONSTRUCTION NOISE Construction noise was analyzed separately from the traffic noise analysis and is presented in a separate document. ms consultants, inc. February

19 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report 8. CONCLUSIONS NSA 1: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Africentric School building and athletic fields located south of the I-70/71 mainline at Grant Avenue. This NSA also includes numerous commercial buildings along Livingston Avenue south of the school campus. Year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels at the Africentric School Campus and at the first row of receivers along Livingston Avenue will approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses. It was determined that constructing two 14 high noise barriers could reduce noise levels at the Africentric School building and at the portions of the Africentric School Athletic Fields closest to I-70/71. These barriers cannot reduce noise levels at the residential structures along Livingston Avenue because that noise is due in large part to traffic on Livingston Avenue. The construction of the Africentric School barriers is recommended. Because these barriers will be located across from a developed area, they should be constructed with sound absorbing material on the highway side. Furthermore, the Africentric School building may be eligible for structural noise insulation in lieu of a structural noise barrier. Therefore, inspection of the school building and detailed discussions with Columbus Public Schools is recommended. NSA 2: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the residential and commercial area east of Grant Avenue north of the I-70/71 mainline. The area is dominated by an recently constructed apartment building identified as the Commons at Grant and the Columbus Public Schools food distribution facility. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 2. Because the predicted traffic noise levels are below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts are predicted in NSA 2. NSA 3W: NSA 3W is a commercial area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange south of Main Street. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 3W. Because the predicted traffic noise levels are below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts are predicted in NSA 3W. NSA 3E: NSA 3E includes the residential area in the northwest quadrant of the I-70/71 East Interchange, south of Main Street. Year 2035 build peak-hour outdoor noise levels in this NSA will approach or exceed FHWA NAC for Activity Category B land uses. It was determined that constructing a high noise barrier would reduce noise levels at numerous residential receivers. The construction of Barrier 3 in NSA 3E is recommended. Because this barrier will be located across from a developed area, it should be constructed with sound absorbing material on the highway side. NSA 4: This Noise Study Area (NSA) includes the Nationwide Children s Hospital (NCH) campus located south of the I-70/71 East Interchange at Parsons Avenue. In addition to the multiple NCH buildings, there is some commercial land use along the western edge of this NSA. Field review determined that there are no outdoor activity areas facing I-70/71 in NSA 4. Because the predicted traffic noise levels are below FHWA NAC for Activity Category E (interior), no impacts are predicted in NSA 4. ms consultants, inc. February

20 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Figures ms consultants, inc. February 2010

21 WI IL Lake Michigan IN Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt (FRA ) MI 70 OH 71 Lake Erie Franklin County WV NY PA MD City of Columbus Franklin County Project Area KY VA Miles I Miles 71 Grandview Heights AÀ? Scio to R iver O lentangy River Broad St iver Sciot o R I Miles 71 High St Project Location Project Area City of Columbus Figure 1

22 Kelton Miller %&p( Ix Ix I? Ï!"`$ AÀ I Ï!"a$!"a$!"`$ Ix? %&p( Section 1!"a$ I Ï I!"`$ Spring Long Broad Section 2 Bryden Town Main Livingston Section 3 Parsons Cleveland Grant Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project Olentangy River Scio to River Fourth Third Front Scioto River Broad Mound Sullivant Section 6 Section 8 Section 7 Section 5 FRA-IR PID FRA-IR PID FRA-IR PID Section 4 I Miles Figure 2 Study Sections High Front Harmon Greenlawn

23 18th Parsons Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project Main NSA 3W Mound Grant NSA 2 Fulton!"a$!"`$ NSA 1 Livingston!"a$ NSA 4 NSA 3E!"`$ I Feet Figure 3 Section 3 - Noise Study Areas

24 Livingston Fulton!. Grant!"a$!"`$ Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project Africentric School!. I Feet Recommended Noise Barrier Noise Modeling Point Noise Monitoring Point Figure 4 NSA 1

25 Fulton Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project Main Mound Grant CPS Food Commons at Grant!"`$!"a$ I Feet Noise Modeling Point Figure 5 NSA 2 and NSA 3W

26 18th!"a$ Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project Main!"`$ I Feet Recommended Noise Barrier Noise Modeling Point Figure 6 NSA 3E

27 Interstate 70/71 South Innerbelt Project!.!"`$!. Commercial Nationwide Childrens Hospital!. I Feet Recommended Noise Barrier Noise Modeling Point Noise Monitoring Point Figure 7 NSA 4 Parsons Livingston

28 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Appendix 1 Noise Monitoring Data ms consultants, inc. February 2010

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31 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Site 20 Nationwide Children s Hospital Mooberry Street Noise Monitoring July 2009

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34 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Site 21 Nationwide Children s Hospital Orthopedic Center Noise Monitoring July 2009

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37 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Site 25 Africentric School Building Noise Monitoring July 2009

38 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Noise Monitoring Traffic Counts Site Number Site Name Autos Medium Trucks Heavy Trucks Buses Motor cycles Total 5 I-71 NB Mainline North of I-670 EB Ramp I-71 NB Ramp South of I-670 EB Ramp I-71 SB South of I-670 EB Ramp I-71 NB North of Town (West) I-71 SB North of Town (West) I-70 EB East of Miller-Kelton I-70 WB East of Miller-Kelton I-70 WB Ramp to Miller-Kelton I-70/71 EB East of 4th I-70/71 WB East of 4th I-70/71 EB West of Front I-70/71 WB West of Front SR-315 NB North of I-70/ SR-315 SB North of I-70/ SR-315 NB Ramp to Rich I-70 EB East of Mound exit I-70 WB East of Mound exit I-70 WB Ramp to Mound I-71 NB North of Town (East) I-71 SB North of Town (East) Noise Monitoring June 2009

39 FRA PID I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt SECTION 3 -- EAST INTERCHANGE Traffic Noise Report Appendix 2 Monitoring Notification Letter ms consultants, inc. February 2010

40 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT EAST WILLIAM STREET DELAWARE, OHIO June 1, 2009 Re: FRA (I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt) Access for Environmental Studies --- The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is studying possible improvements to the I-70/I-71 South Innerbelt in an effort to better serve the needs of the traveling public. The proposed project, which will improve safety and ease congestion, involves many roadways and city streets including I-70, I-71, the I-70/I-71/SR 315 west interchange, the I-70/I-71 east interchange, and several streets in the city of Columbus. The project area follows I-70 from Sullivant to Miller/Kelton, I-71 from Greenlawn to I-670, and SR 315 from I-70/I-71 to Broad Street. Portions of Livingston, Fulton, Mound, Parsons, and Lester are also in the project area. In order to evaluate the environmental features of the project area, various field studies must be conducted, including the determination of existing daytime noise levels. These noise studies involve placing monitoring equipment and microphones (as shown in the adjacent photo) at specific locations near the existing highways. These short-term monitoring studies will each take about 30 minutes. In order to conduct these studies it will be necessary for our representatives to enter onto your property to perform the monitoring. The laws of Ohio (Sections and and of the Ohio Revised Code) authorize such entries. Reimbursement to property owners in the event of any actual damage as a result of the work, which is highly unlikely, is also required by law. This letter is to notify you of this upcoming work, which we hope will cause little to no inconvenience to you. If at any time you feel that our representatives have not given proper attention to your property, or you have any questions, please contact me at or Nancy Burton, District 6 Communications at Sincerely, Ferzan Ahmed Project Manager ODOT District 6