HB 790: Implementation and Effectiveness of Sound
Mitigation Measures on Texas Highways
Project Update
Transportation Short Course
October 2016
HB 790
84th Texas Legislature
AN ACT
relating to a study on the implementation and effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on certain
highways.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) The Texas A&M Transportation Institute shall conduct a study assessing the implementation and effectiveness of sound mitigation measures on highways that are part of the state highway system and toll roads or turnpikes under the jurisdiction of a toll project
entity as defined by Section 372.001, Transportation Code.
Bill Author: Rep. Cindy Burkett
Signed by Gov. Greg Abbott June 17, 2015
HB 790 Bill Objectives
1. an analysis of the process and methodology used by the Texas Department of Transportation or toll project entity for selecting and implementing sound mitigation measures, including factors that affect the process and how outcomes are determined;
2. an analysis of whether any kind of live testing is conducted at any point to determine the actual traffic noise level for neighboring properties;
3. an evaluation of the effectiveness of the process and methodology described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection in reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties; and
4. an evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented sound mitigation measures in reducing the traffic noise level for neighboring properties.
Literature Review
• State-of-practice review of mitigation
techniques
• Review of Federal and state regulations
and guidelines
• Comparison to peer states and toll
authorities in those states
Selected Literature Highlights
• Realistically, typical noise barriers can
achieve 5-10 dB(A) reductions. Larger
reductions require higher barriers, change
the top of the wall or a total or partial
covering of the road.
• Rubberized asphalt results vary
– Maryland reported 2.3-3.6 dB(A) reduction
– Texas reported 14 dB(A) reduction
Selected Peer State Highlights
• Noise abatement criteria is consistent with
peer states, but noise wall costs vary
widely from $18/s.f. to $52/s.f.
• Cost-effectiveness criteria also vary widely
from $24,000 to $80,000 per benefitted
receptor
• Of peer states, only California and
Washington participate in a Type II
(retrofit) program
Agencies Interviewed
Authority Agency
Texas Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Division
Chapter 370
Regional Mobility Authorities
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)
Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA)
Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NETRMA)
Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA)
Chapter 366
Regional Toll Authorities
North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Chapter 284
County Toll Authorities
Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA)
Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA)
Montgomery County Toll Road Authority (MCTRA)
Interview Topics
• Planning
– Cost estimates
– Cost-effectiveness criteria
– Model inputs and data sources
• Design
– Community input procedures
– Wall design (height and lateral placement)
Interview Topics (cont’d)
• Public Involvement
– Treatment of tenants
– Community involvement techniques
• Policy and Procedure
– Updates considered
Measurement Protocol
• Measure at locations modeled in environmental documentation, preferably behind noise walls
• Obtain private property permission for measurements
• Measure one 15-minute interval during diurnal periods– AM peak (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.)
– Mid-day (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
– PM peak (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Spread measurements between locations across multiple days
• Collect vehicle volume, classification, and speed data from main lanes
Project Status
Final report published November 1
and will be publically available.
Contact Information
Jason Crawford
817-462-0534