TRAFFIC NOISE 2016 Noise and Policy
O Sound/Noise Noise Analyses V E R V I E W
Highway Traffic Sound Source < Propagation Medium > Receiver
Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level
PRESSURE micro Pascals LEVEL decibels
SOURCES Rock Band Pneumatic Hammer Food Blender Downtown Vacuum Cleaner Air Conditioning Unit Dishwasher Library PRESSURE micro Pascals 6,324,555 2,000,000 632,456 200,000 63,246 20,000 6,325 2,000 LEVEL decibels 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 L 10log (P 2 ) 2 (P ) ref 10log 2 (P o ) 2 (P ) ref D 2 Do (St) 2 2
SOURCES Rock Band Pneumatic Hammer Food Blender Downtown Vacuum Cleaner Air Conditioning Unit Dishwasher Library LEVEL decibels 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 120 63 x2
Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level
MIKEE-LECTRONICS 85 75 70 65 6,300 1,000 -weighting 7 8 9 > 4 5 6 < 1 2 3 / 0 + - % DIS PRO OUT SEC ENT NEX CLR SFT SOUND ANALYZER
Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level
sound level time L = 10log eq 10 1 T N 10 Lt 10 t=1
O Sound/Noise Noise Analyses V E R V I E W
Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy FHWA 23 CFR 772 TxDOT s Guidelines for the Analysis and Abatement of Roadway Traffic Noise (2011) 14
Determine if a Type I project The construction of a highway on new location; or, The physical alteration of an existing highway where there is either: Substantial Horizontal Alteration Substantial Vertical Alteration The addition of a through-traffic lane(s) The addition of an auxiliary lane, except for when the auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or, The addition or relocation of interchange lanes or ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or, Restriping existing pavement for the purpose of adding a throughtraffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or, The addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share facility, or toll plaza. 15
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to: Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative. Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts. Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures. Communicate the results to the public and local officials. Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement 16
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process Identify adjacent land uses for noise sensitive areas (residences, schools, churches, parks, etc) INCLUDES PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT 17
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (TNM) 18
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to: Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative. Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts. Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures. Communicate the results to the public and local officials. Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement 19
Noise Abatement Source - Propagation Path - Receiver
Noise Barrier Source - Propagation Path - Receiver
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process 21
Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane Evaluate YES Traffic Abatement Collect Data MeasuresDesign Information Information Measure/Model Noise Levels NO Analysis not required Feasible Existing Levels AND Determine Impact Predicted Levels Reasonable Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Consider/Evaluate Abatement Measures YES IF Predicted levels exceed OR roposeexisting by more than 10 dba Abatement NO Abatement not required Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment Acquisition of Buffer Zone Insulation of Public Buildings Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation
Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane Evaluate YES Traffic Abatement Collect Data MeasuresDesign Information Information Measure/Model Noise Levels NO Analysis not required Feasible Existing Levels AND Determine Impact Predicted Levels Reasonable Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Consider/Evaluate Abatement Measures YES IF Predicted levels exceed OR Proposexisting by more than 10 dba Abatement NO Abatement not required Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment Acquisition of Buffer Zone Insulation of Public Buildings Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation
Feasible effective reduction in noise
Feasible -?
Feasible -? -5 (or more)
Feasible Reasonable -? -5 (or more) Cost-effectiveness Criterion Cost for each Benefited Receiver $25,000 (or less)
Feasible -? -5 (or more) AND Reasonable $25,000 (or less) -4-5 -5-5 -5-5 -5-4???????????????? NOISE BARRIER??????????????? For Example
Feasible -? -5 (or more) AND Reasonable $25,000 (or less) Cost for each Benefited Receiver -4-5 -5-5 -5-5 -5-4???????????????? NOISE BARRIER??????????????? = Total Cost #Benefited Total $120,000 Cost 6 = $20,000
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to: Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative. Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts. Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures. Communicate the results to the public and local officials. Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement 30
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process Noise Barrier AKA Sound Walls 31
A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to: Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative. Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts. Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures. Communicate the results to the public and local officials. 32
Noise Workshop Purpose: to provide sufficient information to owners of property adjacent to a proposed noise barrier(s) that will allow these owners to make an informed vote for or against the proposed noise barrier(s). 33
Sample Ballot NOISE BARRIER BALLOT SH 286 EXPANSION and SH 358 INTERCHANGE PROJECT NOISE WORKSHOP, May 23, 2000 In conjunction with the SH 286 expansion and SH 358 interchange project, the Texas Department of Transportation proposes to construct a noise barrier within the right-ofway west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive. However, the proposed noise barrier cannot be constructed without the approval, by majority vote, of adjacent property owners. 1. Do you own property adjacent to the right-of-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive? YES NO 2. FULL NAME (please print) ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. 3. Are you for or against the construction of the proposed noise barrier within the rightof-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive? Only one vote is allowed for each property. FOR AGAINST This vote is final. 4. Comments (use reverse if necessary): SIGNATURE (required) DATE The ballot must be completed and signed by the property owner of record. If possible, please bring your completed and signed ballot to the Noise Workshop. If you are not able to attend the Noise Workshop, please send your completed and signed ballot (must be postmarked no later than ) to: Texas Department of Transportation, Attention:..P.O. Box 9907, Corpus Christi, TX, 78469-9907. 1) Adjacent property owners will be notified of the results of the vote for or against the proposed noise barrier after all ballots have been received and counted. 34
Mailing Mailing preferably by prestamped/preaddressed return envelope include a description of the noise barrier and the noise effects with and without the barrier. Include a description of the decision making process that TxDOT will follow to assess the survey/ballot results and make a decision on whether to build the barrier. Include an invitation to the meeting with the location and time 35
Public Involvement Consent of a Majority of Adjacent Property Owners??????????????????????? SOUND WALL?????????????????????? 36
Noise Workshop Questions??? 37