Highway Traffic Noise Regulations and Guidance
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Regulations
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on 23 CFR 772: Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise
On September 17, 2009, the Federal Register published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on 23 CFR 772: Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. Here are links to the text version http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-22386.htm and the pdf version http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22386.pdf.
While updating the Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Policy and Guidance document dated June 1995, the FHWA determined that certain changes to the noise regulation were necessary. As a result, the FHWA developed this NPRM to propose those changes. The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have agreed that this is a non-significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 and have waived review of this rule. This NPRM would amend 23 CFR Part 772 to clarify certain definitions, the applicability of this regulation, certain analysis requirements, and the use of Federal funds for noise abatement measures. If a final rulemaking occurs as a result of this NPRM, it would require each highway agency to revise their current noise policy and submit to FHWA for review and approval.
FHWA is planning to host three webinar sessions to discuss this NPRM prior to the conclusion of the 60-day comment period. To maximize the number of participants with our limited number of connections, we ask that participants join the webinar as a group, to the extent possible. In addition to these webinars, the FHWA is encouraging interested stakeholders to carefully review the NPRM and consider providing comments to the official docket. Instructions for submitting official comments to the docket may be found in the NPRM.
Individuals that want to participate need to register by clicking on the appropriate weblink below. Please feel free to contact Mark Ferroni (mark.ferroni@dot.gov or 202.366.3233) or Adam Alexander (adam.alexander@dot.gov or 202.366.1473) for additional information.
Friday October 16: For FHWA
Time: 12:00 to 2:30 EDT
To register for this webinar: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=18138
Monday October 19: For State DOTs
Time: 12:00 to 2:30 EDT
To register for this webinar: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=18139
Monday October 26: For the public (TRB ADC40)
Time: 12:00 to 2:30 EDT
To register for this webinar: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=18140
Guidance
General
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Guidance on Quiet Pavement Pilot Programs, January 24, 2005
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Highway Traffic Noise in the United States: Problem and Response HTML or PDF (99 KB) - Publication Year: 2006
Abstract: This paper discusses the three-part approach to dealing with the problem of highway traffic noise in the United States. The first part, noise-compatible land use planning, is traditionally an area of local responsibility. The other two parts, source control of vehicle noise emissions and highway project noise mitigation are the joint responsibility of private industry and of Federal, State, and local governments. The paper also contains FHWA's noise regulations and is intended for the general public, elected officials, and anyone interested in learning about highway traffic noise requirements. -
Highway Traffic Noise Analyses for Cemeteries, Trails, and Trail Crossings (HTML ) or (63 KB PDF)
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Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement: Policy and Guidance (HTML ) or (278 KB PDF) - Publication Year: 1995 - Distribution Memorandum - June 12, 1995
Abstract: This paper provides FHWA policies and guidance for the analysis and abatement of highway traffic noise. It discusses:- noise legislation,
- noise fundamentals,
- the FHWA noise regulations,
- the requirements of traffic noise analysis and documentation,
- traffic noise abatement, including reasonableness and feasibility,
- appropriate levels of traffic noise analysis, and
- traffic noise analyses for highway lane addition projects.
It is intended for highway traffic noise analysts.
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Highway Traffic Noise--Type I Projects - October 20, 1998
Prediction
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Release and Phase-In of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model Version 2.5 - April 14, 2004
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TNM Look-Up Tables - December 16, 2004
Abstract: The TNM Look-Up Tables have been developed to provide highway traffic noise analysts with a screening tool to be used in simple applications of the FHWA TNM. The tables provide a reference of pre-calculated FHWA TNM results for simple highway geometries. These tables should be useful to all individuals involved with the analysis of highway traffic noise.
Measurement
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Measurement of Highway-Related Noise
Abstract: This report replaced a previous report titled "Sound Procedures for Measuring Highway Noise: Final Report," dated August 1981. The report incorporates improvements and changes in noise measurement technologies that have occurred over time and documents recommended procedures for the measurement of the following: (1) existing noise; (2) vehicle noise emissions; (3) noise barrier insertion loss; (4) construction equipment noise; (5) noise reduction due to buildings; and (6) occupational noise exposure. The report should be useful to all individuals involved with measurement activities related to highway traffic noise.
Publication Year: 1996 - Distribution Memorandum - Date: January 2, 1997 -
Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Vehicle Emission Levels - May 6, 1999
