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NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples...

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April 2015 Page 1 of 4 Changes, Clarifications, and Additions incorporated into ODOT’s April 2015 Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur realignment, and rehabilitation and reactivation of an abandoned rail line. Contact OES to discuss the noise scope requirements before moving forward. Rail projects using Federal-aid highway funds or if it requires FHWA approval, will require a noise analysis. 2. Traffic Data (certified traffic data is required for a Noise Analysis, however, planning level traffic may be acceptable. Contact OES if certified traffic is not available) 3. When calculating the equivalent receptors for a FHWA Category C, D, or E land use, consider the actual frequent human use and seasonal aspect of the land usage. Coordinate/contact OES to discuss the input data into the formula to determine equivalent receptors prior to report submission. 4. If a community has 50 homes or less, model every home. If a community has greater than 50 homes, then representative homes can be modeled. Always model the roadway side of a home, front yard or backyard facing the roadway 5. The noise analyst should design the minimum feasible and reasonable barrier first, then continue with other scenarios that are better acoustically. ODOT’s noise wall heights typically fall within the range of 10’-16’, however, noise wall heights outside of this range may need to be analyzed and potentially recommended. If a modeled noise wall that is feasible and reasonable falls outside of this range, contact OES before moving forward. 6. If a noise wall is feasible and reasonable without requiring any portion of noise wall on structure, ODOT’s preference is no noise wall on structure. If a noise wall is modeled and determined to be feasible and reasonable or not, the noise consultant must provide ODOT with a “Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan (NWPPP)” for expedited review and approval BEFORE the noise report is finalized and submitted to ODOT for review. The NWPPP involves providing ODOT an aerial photo, electronically, showing all modeled noise wall location(s), feasible and reasonable or not, and associated wall information. Another option is for the noise analyst to submit an NWPPP to ODOT prior to beginning any modeling in an effort to minimize modeling iterations. 7. For each modeled noise wall, ODOT is looking for a consistent wall height (relatively flat), not a wide range of heights, particularly for walls at the edge of shoulder (EOS), where the top of wall profile should closely parallel the roadway profile. This allows for an easier transition into the design phase and avoids potential future post-construction complaints from benefited receptors. 8. When estimating the cost of a structure mounted barrier, a figure of $100/SF should be used. This figure is based on higher fabrication costs, higher material costs, and bid histories.
Transcript
Page 1: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

April 2015

Page 1 of 4

Changes, Clarifications, and Additions incorporated into ODOT’s April 2015 Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual

NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE

1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur realignment, and rehabilitation and reactivation of an abandoned rail line. Contact OES to discuss the noise scope requirements before moving forward. Rail projects using Federal-aid highway funds or if it requires FHWA approval, will require a noise analysis.

2. Traffic Data (certified traffic data is required for a Noise Analysis, however, planning level traffic may be acceptable. Contact OES if certified traffic is not available)

3. When calculating the equivalent receptors for a FHWA Category C, D, or E land use, consider the actual frequent human use and seasonal aspect of the land usage. Coordinate/contact OES to discuss the input data into the formula to determine equivalent receptors prior to report submission.

4. If a community has 50 homes or less, model every home. If a community has greater than 50 homes, then representative homes can be modeled. Always model the roadway side of a home, front yard or backyard facing the roadway

5. The noise analyst should design the minimum feasible and reasonable barrier first, then continue with other scenarios that are better acoustically. ODOT’s noise wall heights typically fall within the range of 10’-16’, however, noise wall heights outside of this range may need to be analyzed and potentially recommended. If a modeled noise wall that is feasible and reasonable falls outside of this range, contact OES before moving forward.

6. If a noise wall is feasible and reasonable without requiring any portion of noise wall on structure, ODOT’s preference is no noise wall on structure. If a noise wall is modeled and determined to be feasible and reasonable or not, the noise consultant must provide ODOT with a “Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan (NWPPP)” for expedited review and approval BEFORE the noise report is finalized and submitted to ODOT for review. The NWPPP involves providing ODOT an aerial photo, electronically, showing all modeled noise wall location(s), feasible and reasonable or not, and associated wall information. Another option is for the noise analyst to submit an NWPPP to ODOT prior to beginning any modeling in an effort to minimize modeling iterations.

7. For each modeled noise wall, ODOT is looking for a consistent wall height (relatively flat), not a

wide range of heights, particularly for walls at the edge of shoulder (EOS), where the top of wall profile should closely parallel the roadway profile. This allows for an easier transition into the design phase and avoids potential future post-construction complaints from benefited receptors.

8. When estimating the cost of a structure mounted barrier, a figure of $100/SF should be used. This figure is based on higher fabrication costs, higher material costs, and bid histories.

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9. Indicate if a modeled noise wall is at the EOS, ROW, both, or somewhere in between (i.e. edge of foreslope or backslope). If a noise wall is recommended at the EOS, indicate if the bottom of wall elevations are the edge of shoulder elevations.

10. Precise bottom of wall elevations (BOWE) are critical to the accuracy of the noise wall results and recommendations. BOWEs must be precise in the model. Also, the noise analyst must illustrate, describe, and discuss the precise placement of the noise wall relative to the adjacent roadway.

11. All recommended barriers must include an aerial map showing points along the barrier corresponding to a wall height every 50’ or less.

12. For every noise wall determined to be feasible and reasonable in the Noise Analysis phase, the noise analyst must coordinate the noise wall location with the ODOT District Utility Coordinator or call OUPS to determine if there are any potential issues with existing or proposed utilities. The results of the coordination must be discussed in the Noise Analysis report. The noise analyst must coordinate the placement of a noise barrier with maintenance, utility and construction experts as much as possible. This helps to eliminate or minimize issues in the design and construction phases.

13. If an earthen mound noise barrier is determined to be feasible and reasonable to construct, this alternative shall be considered the first option. The noise analysis must include a discussion as to why an earthen mound noise barrier is or is not a feasible alternative material choice. NOISE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

14. An unoccupied rental that is livable receives 1 vote/tally from the owner. There is no tally for the occupant.

15. Vacant/boarded up/condemned residential buildings requiring a permit to become livable are not considered noise sensitive areas.

16. Other noise PI tools include phone call canvassing, email responses, and online/web-based technology.

17. If available, the results of the Noise Public Involvement and ODOT’s responses should be included in the NEPA documentation for the project. Otherwise, these items must be included in the NEPA documentation as environmental commitments to the project. BARRIER DESIGN CRITERIA

18. Portions of the noise barrier intended for use as noise abatement (hereafter referred to as the

full height barrier) will have a minimum height of 8’-0” and a maximum height of 20’-0”. The

maximum 20’ height is in accordance with ODOT Noise Barrier Specifications (NBS-1-09). OES

must approve any requests to exceed the maximum 20’ height.

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19. Relative to the transition sections, where feasible and practical, the barrier will step down in 4’-0” increments to a height of 5’-6’ per the ODOT Aesthetic Design Guidelines. If the wall approaches a structure, there should be no transition.

20. Trees identified for removal must be evaluated and coordinated as appropriate for potential as

roosting trees for bat species or other endangered species concerns.

21. Ensure all noise analyses and current and future noise wall design plans address the following

issues regarding highway lighting: Access to power for tower lighting and light poles (i.e. relocate

the source to the highway side of the noise wall); Access to the actual tower lighting and/or light

pole for maintenance; The potential need for a new ground-mounted or pole mounted

“disconnect; system” on the highway side of the noise wall or an access door.; Not restricting

the lowering of the luminaire ring during maintenance; Necessary relocation of tower lighting

and/or light poles; Access to CCTV (closed circuit TV camera) and RWIS (road weather information

system) systems.

22. In addition to smooth top of wall profiles, smoothen out all bottom of wall profiles to reduce SF

where possible. Associated with that, where feasible, consider designing a higher proposed grade

than existing grade to ensure bottom panels are buried at least 6” and no greater than 1’ in flat

ground, wall SF is minimized, and bottom of wall profiles are smooth.

23. If applicable to the design, position icons 2.5’ or 3’ from the top of wall. The goal is to avoid any

part of the icon being blocked by guardrail or safety barrier and/or to keep the bottom of the icon

sufficiently away from the top of guardrail or safety barrier. It is ODOT’s preference that the top

of the icon is NOT the top of the panel.

24. Show the adjacent roadway and/or ramp profile on the noise wall profile. This helps to ensure

the height of the noise wall matches the requirements of the noise analysis.

25. Noise wall plans must indicate the federal color and color number and texture of posts and panels.

Post cap, panel cap and/or finial details must be provided as well.

26. If an Ashlar stone texture is required, use the “Architectural Polymers Ashlar Stone Pattern 905O

or engineered approved equal”. This pattern has a minimum 1” relief depth, which is an ODOT

preference.

27. There must be little to no gap (vertical or horizontal) between a structure mounted barrier and a

ground mounted barrier, to ensure an effective noise wall system. Design an overlap between a

structure mounted barrier and a ground mounted barrier that maximizes acoustic protection.

Contact OES as needed.

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28. Overlapped ground mounted noise walls should have a 3:1 ratio of length of overlap to width of

gap, excluding step downs. The back side wall toward the noise sensitive area should not have

step downs. The front side wall closest to the highway should have step downs.

29. The number of different icons and frequency of each icon shall be reviewed and approved by

ODOT. Large noise wall projects should have no more than 4 different icons allowed.

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I. Applicability and Noise Abatement Criteria

Highway noise impact assessment procedures, noise abatement procedures, coordination

requirements, and noise abatement criteria contained herein are based on Title 23 Code of

Federal Regulations Part 772 and the latest revision of the Federal Highway Administration’s

(FHWA) Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Guidance. All highway projects

developed in conformance with the above and this document shall be in conformance with the

FHWA noise criteria and the ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Manual. This manual is applicable to

both federally funded and 100% State funded projects and replaces Policy 417-001 (P) dated June

7, 2011.

ODOT considers noise abatement when any of the following conditions exist.

1) Predicted (design year) noise levels approach (within one dB(A)) or exceed the FHWA Noise

Abatement Criteria (NAC) levels given in Table 1.

2) Predicted (design year) noise levels substantially exceed existing noise levels.

(Substantial for this discussion is 10 dB(A))

Predicted noise levels are established by the use of predictive models approved by OES and FHWA

(Currently the most recent version of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, hereafter referred to as the

TNM). The noise descriptor will be Leq (h).

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Table 1: Noise Abatement Criteria (23 CFR 772)

Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC): Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level in Decibels (dBA)

Activity

Category Leq(h) L10(h) Description of Activity Category

A 57

(Exterior)

60

(Exterior)

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.

B 67 70 Residential

C 67

(Exterior)

70

(Exterior)

Active sports areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums, campgrounds,

cemeteries, daycare centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks,

picnic ares, places of worship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms,

public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording

studios, recreational areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools, television studios,

trails, and trail crossings

D 52

(Interior)

55

(Interior)

Auditoriums, daycare centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities,

places of worship, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional

structures, radio studios, recording studios, schools, and television

studios

E 72

(Exterior)

75

(Exterior)

Hotels, motels, offices, restaurant/bars, and other developed lands,

properties, or activities not included in A-D or F

F - -

Agriculture, airports, bus yards, emergency services, industrial, logging,

maintenance facilities, manufacturing, mining, rail yards, retail facilities,

shipyards, utilities (water resources, water treatment, electrical) and

warehousing

G - - Undeveloped lands that are not permitted

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II. Definitions/Acronyms

Attenuation - The reduction of an acoustic signal (noise).

Average Daily Traffic (ADT) - The total traffic volume during a given period divided by the

number of days in that period. Current ADT volumes can be determined by continuous traffic

counts or periodic counts.

A-Weighted levels - Adjustment or weighting of sound frequencies to approximate the way that

the average person hears sounds. This weighting system assigns a weight that is related to how

sensitive the human ear is to each sound frequency. Frequencies that are less sensitive to the human

ear are weighted less than those for which the ear is more sensitive.

Barrier - A natural or man-made object that interrupts the path of sound from the sound source to

the sound receptor.

BDM- Bridge Design Manual

Benefited Receptor - A receptor predicted to receive a reduction of at least 5 dB(A) LEQ(H) from

the proposed mitigation and inclusive of all such residences, not limited to those receptors in the

first row.

BOWE- Bottom of wall elevation

BOWP- Bottom of wall profile

Build Condition - The proposed roadway configuration in the design year.

Clear Zone - The unobstructed, relatively flat area provided beyond the edge of the traveled way

for recovery of errant vehicles. The travel way is the portion of the roadway not including

shoulders. It is desirable to provide a roadside clear of hazardous objects or conditions for a

distance consistent with speed, traffic volume and geometric conditions of the site.

Composite Materials - A composite material noise barrier is constructed with distinct

components. An example composite noise wall has a hollow fiberglass shell and is filled with

recycled tires.

CPBC- Cost per benefited receptor

Decibel (dB) - A measure used to express the relative level of a sound in comparison with a

standard reference level.

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dB(A) - The noise levels in decibels measured with a frequency weighting network, corresponding

to the “A-Scale” on a standard sound level meter.

Design year - The future year for which traffic projections are made in establishing the design

for a specific project as defined in the LDM, Vol. I, Section 102.2. The Design Year is typically

20 years out and correlates to the plan scope and certified traffic.

DYB- Design year build

DYNB- Design year no build

EOBS- Edge of backslope

EOFS- Edge of foreslope

EOP- Edge of pavement

EOS- Edge of shoulder

ERC- Equivalent Receptor Calculation

Existing noise levels - The surrounding noise of an area. Measured in dB(A), it provides a

reference base for determining noise impacts when transportation improvements or new

transportation facilities are being considered. When calculated, it is based upon noise levels

experienced during the period of greatest highway traffic noise. Note that this period can occur at

other times than normal peak hour. It is the worst noise hour resulting from the combination of

natural and mechanical sources and human activity usually present in a particular area.

Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) - The equivalent steady-state sound level which in a stated period

of time contains the acoustic energy as the time-varying sound level during the same time period.

Feasible - A mitigation measure that is acoustically feasible and meets engineering requirements

for constructability. A feasible noise barrier must provide a minimum 5 dB(A) reduction for 40%

of the impacted receptors.

Front Row Receptors – Noise sensitive locations immediately adjacent to the roadway (typically

within 100’-150’ of the roadway).

FHEU- Frequent Human Exterior Use

FHWA - Federal Highway Administration.

GNW- Green Noise Wall. Similar terminology includes Living Sound Wall, Earthen Noise

Barrier, Earthen Berm, Earthen Mound, Sound Mound, Green Noise Barrier.

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Heavy trucks - Any vehicle having three or more axles and designed for the transportation of

cargo.

Hertz - The unit of frequency; one Hertz has a periodic interval of one second.

Impacted Receptor – A noise receptor predicted to experience noise levels at or above the activity

category’s FHWA NAC in the Noise Analysis process using the FHWA TNM 2.5 computer

program.

Insertion Loss (IL) – The decrease in noise level the noise barrier is providing.

Ldn (Day/Night average sound level) - Average sound exposure over a 24-hour period is often

presented as a day-night average sound level (Ldn). Ldn values are calculated from hourly Leq

values, with the Leq values for the nighttime period (10:00 p.m.7:00 a.m.) increased by 10 dB to

reflect the greater disturbance potential from nighttime noises.

Leq - The equivalent, steady-state sound level which in a stated period of time contains the same

acoustic energy as the time-varying sound level during the same period

Leq (h) - The hourly value of Leq (based upon the peak-hour percentage of the annual average

daily traffic).

L10(H) - The A-weighted noise level that is exceeded 10% of the time. Thus the L10 level is an

indication of the peak levels of the intruding noise.

Lmax - The maximum sound level measured over a time period.

Medium trucks - All vehicles having two axles and six wheels designed for the transportation of

cargo.

NBCR- Noise Barrier Condition Rating

NBS- Noise Barrier Specification.

NMP- Noise Measurement Plan

No Build Condition - Modeling design year traffic volumes using the existing roadway

configuration.

Noise - Sound that is unwanted or undesirable.

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Noise Abatement - Measures taken to mitigate or reduce traffic noise impacts (i.e. construction of

berms or noise walls, shifting roadway alignment etc.).

Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) - The absolute value used to determine noise impacts at the

various land use activity categories. Refer to Table 1, reference 23 CFR 772.

Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT)- A table/spreadsheet which includes information such as top

of wall elevations, bottom of wall elevations, distance offset from roadway centerline, barrier

heights, and wall stationing every 50' or less.

Noise Reduction Design Goal - The optimum desired dB(A) noise reduction determined from

calculating the difference between future build noise levels with abatement, to future build noise

levels without abatement. The ODOT design goal is a 7 dB(A) reduction for at least one benefited

receptor.

Noise Sensitive Area (NSA) – An area containing multiple noise sensitive receptors in close

proximity (FHWA Activity Categories A-E).

NPI- Noise Public Involvement

NPIS- Noise Public Involvement Summary report.

NRC- Noise Reduction Coefficient

NWPPP- Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan

Parallel Walls - Two walls constructed on the opposite sides of a highway.

Peak hourly traffic - The highest hourly traffic volume of the day.

Point source - One single source (i.e. one vehicle).

Protected Receptor - A receptor or other eligible land use expected to receive a reduction of 5

dB(A) (Leq)(h) or more, from the proposed mitigation, normally those in the first row or closest

to the roadway.

Reasonableness - The combination of social, economic, and environmental factors considered in

the evaluation of a noise abatement measure.

Receptor - An individual or site location registering measurable sound levels, as described in 23

CFR 772.

SAM- Sound Absorptive Material- A material absorbing sound energy when sound waves collide

with it, as opposed to reflecting the energy

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Soft site - Soft ground conditions, such as grass, that tends to absorb noise.

STC- Sound Transmission Class- A single figure rating for comparing the effectiveness of walls

in resisting the transmission of airborne sound.

Substantial Impact - If the predicted noise levels exceed the existing noise levels by 10 dB(A) or

more, this is considered a substantial impact.

Substantial Reduction - A noise decrease of at least 5 dB(A).

TL- Transmission Loss

TNM (Traffic Noise Model) - The FHWA TNM is the official noise model for use on ODOT

projects.

TOWE- Top of wall elevation

TOWP- Top of wall profile

Traffic noise impacts - Impacts which occur when the predicted traffic noise levels approach or

exceed the NAC (i.e. within one dB(A)) or when the predicted noise levels substantially exceed

the existing noise levels defined as 10 dB(A) or more.

Transportation-related noise - Noise generated by the engine, tires, exhaust, etc. of vehicles using

the transportation system.

Type I project - A Type I project is a proposed Federal or Federal-aid highway project for the (1)

Construction of a highway on new location; or, (2) The physical alteration of an existing highway

where there is either: (i) Substantial Horizontal Alteration. A project that halves the distance

between the traffic noise source and the closest receptor between the existing condition to the

future build condition; or, (ii) Substantial Vertical Alteration. A project that removes shielding

therefore exposing the line-of-sight between the receptor and the traffic noise source. This is done

by either altering the vertical alignment of the highway or by altering the topography between the

highway traffic noise source and the receptor; or, (3) The addition of a through-traffic lane(s).

This includes the addition of a through-traffic lane that functions as a HOV lane, High-Occupancy

Toll (HOT) lane, bus lane, or truck climbing lane; or, (4) The addition of an auxiliary lane, except

for when the auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or, (5) The addition or relocation of interchange lanes

or ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or, (6) Restriping

existing pavement for the purpose of adding a through-traffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or, (7) The

addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share lot or toll plaza.

(8) If a project is determined to be a Type I project per § 772.5 then the entire project area as

defined in the environmental document is a Type I project.

Type II project - A Federal, Federal aid or State funded project proposed to provide acoustic

protection for receptors that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway. This

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program is voluntary for state participation and is more fully described in Section III, Type II

Projects.

VPH- Vehicles Per Hour

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III. General Noise Analysis Requirements

Noise analyses must be prepared by ODOT pre-qualified noise analysts per the ODOT

Consultant Prequalification Requirements and Procedures (Revised April 21, 2006). This

requirement applies to consultants and to ODOT staff.

► see Appendix_A: Flowchart for When a Noise Analysis is Needed

A noise analysis is required for any project that meets the description of a Type I project

in 23 CFR 772.5. A Type I project is a proposed Federal or Federal-aid highway project

for the (1) Construction of a highway on new location; or, (2) The physical alteration of an

existing highway where there is either: (i) Substantial Horizontal Alteration. A project that

halves the distance between the traffic noise source and the closest receptor between the

existing condition to the future build condition; or, (ii) Substantial Vertical Alteration. A

project that removes shielding therefore exposing the line-of-sight between the receptor

and the traffic noise source. This is done by either altering the vertical alignment of the

highway or by altering the topography between the highway traffic noise source and the

receptor; or, (3) The addition of a through-traffic lane(s). This includes the addition of a

through-traffic lane that functions as a HOV lane, High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane, bus

lane, or truck climbing lane; or, (4) The addition of an auxiliary lane, except for when the

auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or, (5) The addition or relocation of interchange lanes or

ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or, (6) Restriping

existing pavement for the purpose of adding a through-traffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or,

(7) The addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share

lot or toll plaza. (8) If a project is determined to be a Type I project per § 772.5 then the

entire project area as defined in the environmental document is a Type I project.

In a case where a project involves constructing a bridge at a location where it was removed

and left un-replaced for a long period of time, a noise analysis is not likely to be required

and this type of project would be considered a Type III project where no noise analysis

would be required. However, this type of project will be handled on a case by case basis. A

request for a noise determination for this type of project must be coordinated with OES

The noise analysis must include a narrative discussion of environmental noise conditions

within the study area. The narrative must identify and describe all noise sensitive land uses

in the study area. If highway noise impacts are identified at the study area limit, the study

area should be expanded. The report must include a comparison of the predicted noise

levels at locations in the study area for the existing and design year Build alternatives. The

report will include a discussion of basic noise principles and noise measurement techniques

and will conform to the requirements for noise analysis reports provided in the latest

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revision of the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Guidance,

Appendix B. To minimize future traffic noise impacts on currently undeveloped lands of

Type I projects, local officials within whose jurisdiction the highway project is located

shall be informed of the best estimation of the future design year noise levels at various

distances from the edge of the nearest travel lane of the highway improvement where the

future noise levels meet ODOT’s definition of “approach” for undeveloped lands. At a

minimum, identify the distance to the exterior noise abatement criteria in Table 1.

Type II projects provide abatement for receptors that were in existence prior to the

construction of the original highway. A noise analysis is required for any Type II project.

Traffic used for a Type II noise analysis project shall be determined from current year

conditions.

Other projects that are not classified as Type I or Type II projects are known as Type III

projects and do not require noise analysis under 23CFR772. However, they may result in

noise impacts under NEPA. Examples may include projects that cause a major change in

the vehicle mix, i.e. truck percentage. For further guidance on NEPA analysis of Type III

projects, contact OES.

Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a

noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur realignment, and rehabilitation and reactivation

of an abandoned rail line. Contact OES to discuss the noise scope requirements before

moving forward. Rail projects using Federal-aid highway funds or if it requires FHWA

approval, will require a noise analysis.

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IV. Date of Public Knowledge

Noise analyses shall be performed for those sensitive land uses outlined in 23 CFR 772

Table 1 “Noise Abatement Criteria”. All considered land uses must have been permitted

(as defined by 23CFR772) before the date of the Environmental Document approval (CE,

FONSI, or ROD). If undeveloped land is determined to be permitted, then the land must

be assigned to the appropriate Activity Category and analyzed in the same manner as

developed lands in that Activity Category. If undeveloped land is not permitted for

development by the date of public knowledge, then the noise levels shall be determined

in accordance with 772.17(a) and the results documented in the project’s environmental

clearance documents and noise analysis documents. Federal participation in noise

abatement measures will not be considered for lands that are not permitted by the date of

public knowledge.

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V. Type I Projects

The ODOT conducts all highway noise studies in accordance with current FHWA

guidelines and procedures, primarily the latest revision of the FHWA Highway Traffic

Noise Analysis and Abatement Guidance and 23 CFR 772. Table 2 is an outline that

summarizes the general procedure utilized by ODOT when conducting a highway noise

study.

The Project Initiation Package (PIP) should consider noise sensitive land uses within

approximately 500’ of the edge of pavement of the proposed project. However, if highway

noise impacts are identified during the Noise Analysis at the study area limit, the study area

should be expanded.

Consideration for noise sensitive land uses should focus on exterior areas of frequent

human use in accordance with the latest revision of the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise

Guidance and 23CFR772. Exceptions for consideration of interior noise levels are limited

to Activity Category D land uses per 23CFR772 (auditoriums, daycare centers, hospitals,

libraries, medical facilities, places of worship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms, public

or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, schools, and television

studios). Regarding apartment buildings, only units that have frequent human exterior use

(i.e. patios) and facing to the freeway (or exposed to the freeway) should be modeled and

are considered receptors. Be aware of noise sensitive areas (NSAs) that are permitted to

build after the noise analysis is approved but before NEPA is approved. These sensitive

noise receptors must be analyzed for noise.

A. Noise Analysis Requirements per the Project Development Process

(PDP)

► see Appendix_B: Noise Analysis Process Flowchart

Varying levels of noise work are necessary to comply with the PDP. Table 1 and the

subsequent discussion explain the action and products required.

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Table 2: Necessary levels of analysis for compliance with the PDP

Product Level of Analysis

Typical PDP Phase

Product is

Completed In

Project

Initiation

Package (PIP)

Identify noise sensitive land uses in the project

study area. The noise analysis process ends if

there are no noise sensitive land uses within or

adjacent to the project study area.

Planning (PL)

Noise Analysis

Report

Noise Analysis of Feasible Alternatives or the

Preferred Alternative. Estimate noise

abatement costs using $25/SF and the $35,000

per benefited receptor threshold.

Preliminary

Engineering (PE) or

Environmental

Engineering (EE)

Noise Barrier

Design Table

(NBDT)

Mitigation design and finalized cost estimate

for noise abatement.

Environmental

Engineering (EE)

1. Project Initiation Package (PIP): The PIP will identify all noise sensitive areas

within the project study area. Provide aerial photography or other similar mapping

with noise sensitive areas clearly identified and labeled. The narrative of the PIP

will include a brief description of each noise sensitive area.

2. The Noise Analysis will investigate noise levels at representative receptors within

each noise sensitive area and report the number of impacts resulting from each

alternative. Analysts will use the latest version of the FHWA TNM (Traffic Noise

Model) to complete the analysis. A complete series of noise readings as outlined

in Section II.C.2 below is required for the Noise Analysis Report. The Noise

Analysis must be prepared prior to NEPA approval and the results discussed in the

environmental document.

1. The Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) includes barrier design information such

as top of wall elevations, bottom of wall elevations, distance offset from roadway

centerline, barrier heights, and wall stationing every 50' or less.

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B. Determination of existing noise levels

1. Noise measurements must be done with a meter (ANSI S1.4-1983, TYPE II or

better) at representative receptor locations and capture the morning and/or evening

rush hour traffic noise emissions period. Field measurements must be taken

consistent with the guidelines contained in FHWA’s manual ‘Measurement of

Highway Related Noise’, May 1996. In complex environments, the field

measurement results can be used to determine the existing noise levels for the noise

analysis. All noise reading locations must be placed in or represent areas of

frequent exterior human use. Traffic counts (cars, medium trucks, and heavy

trucks) must be taken during the measurement period. The field measurements

must be used to validate the model predictions for existing levels. The analyst will

run a noise model using the traffic volumes counted during the field measurements

and compare the result to the field measurement. If the difference between the two

exceeds 3 dB(A), the modeling site input parameters must be checked for

consistency with actual site conditions, modified as appropriate, and the model

recalibrated before prediction of the existing and design year noise levels. If there

is still a difference of more than three decibels between measured and modeled

noise levels, use the measured noise level to represent the existing noise level.

2. Field noise readings are required as a part of the Noise Analysis Report. However,

if there is a change in the noise environment since the previous readings, then

further readings may be warranted as part of an updated Noise Analysis. Noise

readings establish a record of the actual noise level within a project study area and

play a role in developing an accurate noise model. Counts of traffic on the

monitored roadway during the measurement period are required. Multiple field

noise readings are required at each neighborhood within the study area. The

readings will consist of no more than two front row receptors (representing the

length of a potential noise barrier location) and one additional reading at a second

row receptor and one at the edge of the study area (i.e. 500’). However, if highway

noise impacts are identified at the study area limit based on noise measurements,

the study area should be expanded. The analyst will coordinate, with OES Noise

staff, a Noise Measurement Plan (NMP) providing the location and number of noise

measurements proposed for each project, prior to performing any field work. All

noise reading locations must have a corresponding address or specific location

(such as GPS coordinates) provided. Also, the distance from the edge of pavement

to each noise reading location should be provided. Atmospheric conditions such as

temperature, average wind, maximum wind, and wind direction must be recorded

for each noise reading.

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Aerial mapping in color and showing all field reading locations should be provided.

The scale of the mapping should be approximately 1”=200’. Use of a field mapping

grade global positioning system (GPS) can be used to record the location of all

noise readings. Note that the following parameters should be met to ensure “good”

quality data in a format compatible with the Department's Enterprise Database

System Sybase:

a. Minimum of 5 satellites

b. Satellite elevation above 10 degrees

c. PDOP < 4

d. Collection rate of 1Hz

e. Minimum of 5 epochs (Method 1 and Method 2), 10 epochs (Method 3)

Projects involving new roadway on new alignment require field noise readings at

noise sensitive land uses along the proposed alignment. The measured noise levels

will serve as the existing noise level at all locations where the measured noise level

differs from the existing modeled noise level by more than 3 dB(A).

C. Prediction of design year noise levels

Prediction of design year noise levels for all “Build” alternatives under consideration and

the existing conditions for each representative receptor on each alternative is required.

Category A-E receptors present in the study area must be analyzed for noise impacts. For

Category A-C and E, no analysis is required if there are no exterior areas of frequent human

use.

D. Identification of a noise impact

For Type I and II projects, identification of a noise impact involves a comparison of the

predicted noise levels for each project alternative with the noise abatement criteria and the

existing noise levels. This comparison identifies the traffic noise impacts associated with

each alternative in terms of the change in existing noise levels and the amount by which

criteria can be approached or exceeded. Impacts occur when the predicted traffic noise

levels approach or exceed the applicable FHWA NAC (i.e. within one dB(A)) or when the

predicted noise levels substantially exceed the existing noise levels defined as 10 dB(A) or

more.

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E. Feasibility and Reasonableness of Noise Abatement

Title 23 CFR 772.13 and 772.15 provide requirements for consideration for noise

abatement and noise abatement techniques that must be evaluated for all projects where

noise impacts are predicted to occur as a result of project construction. If feasible and

reasonable, noise abatement must be incorporated into the project per 23 CFR 772.11(g).

Reasonableness is addressed by the desires of the benefited receptors (see Section IV for

Noise Public Involvement requirements) (772.13(d) (2) (i)), cost per benefited receptor

(772.13(d)(2)(ii)), and achieving the noise reduction design goal (772.13(d)(2)(ii)).

To be feasible, a mitigation measure must be acoustically feasible and must meet

engineering requirements for constructability. An acoustically feasible noise barrier

provides a minimum 5 dB(A) reduction for 40% of the impacted receptors. Additionally,

the barrier must meet requirements for safety in accordance with ODOT’s Location and

Design Manual, Volume 1, Section 200, Roadside Design. Further, it may be determined

that the barrier is not feasible to construct. Factors to consider are barrier height,

topography, drainage, utilities, maintenance of the abatement measure, maintenance access

to adjacent properties, and access to adjacent properties (i.e. arterial widening projects).

For every noise wall determined to be feasible and reasonable in the Noise Analysis phase,

the noise analyst must coordinate the noise wall location with the ODOT District Utility

Coordinator or call OUPS to determine if there are any potential issues with existing or

proposed utilities. The results of the coordination must be discussed in the Noise Analysis

report. The noise analyst must coordinate the placement of a noise barrier with

maintenance, utility and construction experts as much as possible. This helps to eliminate

or minimize issues in the design and construction phases.

Reasonableness involves considering the combination of social, economic, and

environmental factors in the evaluation of a noise abatement measure. A cost reasonable

barrier does not exceed the current cost per benefited receptor for noise abatement. The

cost reasonableness criterion is not a design goal for noise abatement. Reasonable cost per

dwelling unit is presently considered to be $35,000 per benefited receptor receiving a

minimum reduction of 5 dB(A) in the predicted noise level. The noise reduction design

goal is a 7 dB(A) reduction for at least one (1) benefited receptor pursuant to

772.13(d)(2)(iii) and is a requirement. A benefited receptor is any receptor receiving at

least a 5 dB(A) noise reduction. Other “benefited” receptors that receive a 5 or more dB(A)

reduction in the average noise level shall be included in the cost/benefit calculation of each

noise barrier regardless of whether or not the location is predicted to experience design

year noise impacts. For example, if the mitigation measure would benefit ten receptors at

a cost of $350,000, the noise abatement measure is cost reasonable. The ODOT uses a cost

of $25 per square foot for Type I and Type II projects to estimate the cost of ground

mounted noise barrier construction. When estimating the cost of a ground-mounted barrier,

a figure of $25/sf should be used. When estimating the cost of a structure mounted barrier,

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a figure of $100/SF should be used. This figure is based on higher fabrication costs, higher

material costs, and bid histories. This additional cost must be included in the noise analysis

phase when estimating the cost of a structure-mounted noise barrier. OES should be

contacted when estimating the cost of a structure-mounted noise barrier. Any utility costs

associated with the construction of a noise wall must also be included when estimating the

cost of a noise barrier.

Noise abatement is offered at locations where design year build noise impacts are predicted

to occur and noise abatement is determined feasible and reasonable. Consideration for

whether or not noise abatement will be constructed is left to the benefited property owners

and residences of the receptors. The ODOT does not require installation of noise

abatement. Noise abatement is offered to the benefited receptors. For owner-occupied

dwellings, one ballot shall be solicited per benefited receptor but is counted as 2

votes/tallies. Relative to benefited rental properties in the same noise sensitive area, one

owner ballot and individual resident ballot shall be solicited and is counted as 2 votes/tallies

(1 vote for the owner and 1 vote for the renter). The owner will have the same number of

votes as there are number of dwelling units and each rental unit will have one vote per unit.

An owner-occupied residence of an apartment complex will receive one owner vote

(equaling the same number of votes as there are number of dwelling units) plus one

additional vote as an occupant. An unoccupied rental that is livable receives 1 vote/tally

from the owner. There is no tally for the occupant. For abatement to be designed and

constructed, a minimum of 51% of the benefited property owners and residences must

respond in favor of the abatement. If the first noise public involvement survey does not

result in a minimum of 51% of the benefited property owners and residences responding

in favor of the noise abatement, a resurvey should be conducted. When a multifamily

dwelling has a common exterior area of frequent human use, each unit of the multi-family

dwelling that has access to that common exterior area shall be included in the feasible and

reasonable analysis. Apartment buildings or multi-family dwelling units with no frequent

human exterior use will not require a noise analysis. Vacant/boarded up/condemned

residential buildings requiring a permit to become livable are not considered noise sensitive

areas.

Other Considerations

Use of the line of sight function in the TNM is required to help determine that the barrier

is of sufficient height to block the line of sight. This function identifies locations where

receivers are exposed to a noise source. This is often the top of the exhaust stack of heavy

trucks. A successful abatement design will block the line of sight between first row

receptors and sources, however, there may be cases where this is not possible. Examples

of projects where a finding that noise abatement may not be cost reasonable or acoustically

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feasible include widening or alteration of roadways involving isolated urban environments

or rural residences, however, consideration of the measures listed in 23 CFR 772.15(c) is

required in the Noise Analysis. Property access issues usually eliminate consideration for

noise barriers and other measures are often infeasible due to the nature of the urban

environment.

The current reasonable cost for noise abatement is $35,000 per benefited receptor, based

on ODOT’s latest cost per benefiting receptor evaluation. The cost reasonableness criteria

are reevaluated biennially as provided in IV, G. Noise abatement is often not reasonable

to mitigate impacts for isolated receptors in rural areas. Using the cost estimating rules

provided in II. B. 2., the cost to provide a noise barrier for a single receptor ranges from

$100,000 - $200,000, which exceeds the reasonable cost of abatement.

Third party funding is not allowed on a Federal or Federal-aid Type I or Type II project

if the noise abatement measure would require the additional funding from the third party

to be considered feasible and/or cost reasonable. Third party funding is acceptable on a

Federal or Federal-aid Type I or Type II project to make functional enhancements such as

absorptive treatment or aesthetic enhancements, to a noise abatement measure already

determined feasible and reasonable.

F. Noise Abatement Measures

Noise abatement measures as listed in 23 CFR 772.15c may be considered for

incorporation into the project to reduce traffic noise impacts. They are (1) construction of

noise barriers including acquisition of property rights, either within or outside the highway

ROW; (2) traffic management measures; (3) alteration of horizontal and vertical

alignments; (4) acquisition of real property or interests therein to serve as a buffer zone to

preempt development that would be adversely impacted by traffic noise; and (5) noise

insulation of Activity Category D land use facilities listed in Table 1.

G. Other Land Uses/Equivalent Receptors

► see Appendix_C: Noise Analysis Process Flowchart for FHWA Categories C,D, and E

Representation of several types of land uses as more than one receptor is appropriate in

some cases. These receptors typically include active sports areas, playgrounds, schools,

pre-school and daycare facilities; churches, hospitals, retirement homes; parks, trails,

campgrounds, cemeteries, and other exterior areas of frequent human use for the land uses

found in the NAC activity category ‘C’.

An indoor analysis shall only be done after exhausting all outdoor analysis options. In

situations where no exterior activities are to be affected by the traffic noise, or where the

exterior activities are far from or physically shielded from the roadway in a manner that

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prevents an impact on exterior activities, the highway agency shall use Activity Category

D (interior evaluation) as the basis of determining noise impacts.

Offering insulation as an abatement option is only available if exterior abatement is not

feasible and reasonable and an interior impact has been established and the receptor will

benefit from insulation. This is not left to the discretion of the owner or resident of the

receptor.

To determine the effectiveness of a noise wall, an equivalent number of receptors is

determined by using the following formula.

Equivalent # Receptors = # Occupants ÷ (# People / Receptor) x Usage

Where:

# Occupants = # People (Students, Visitors, etc.).

3 = Average # of People / Residence (household size- Ohio Average)

Usage = # of Daily Hours Used Outdoors ÷ 24 Hours Per Day x Days Used Per Year

÷ Days Per Year (or Days Used Per Week ÷ Days Per Week)

Example: Equivalent Receptors at a park:

For a park operating year-round during the hours of sunlight for which the average

daily patronage is 100 visitors, the Equivalent # of Receptors would be calculated

as:

100 people ÷ 3 x ((12) Average Daily Hours of Sunlight ÷ 24 Hours Per Day) = 17

Equivalent Receptors

Example: Equivalent Receptors at a golf course:

For a golf course operating year-round during the hours of sunlight for which the

average daily play is 27 rounds per day, the Equivalent # of Receptors would be

calculated as:

27 rounds per day ÷ 3 x ((12) Average Daily Hours of Sunlight ÷ 24 Hours Per

Day) = 4.5 Equivalent Receptors

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Example: Equivalent Receptors at a school with recreational fields:

Number of Students = 678 per day, however, it was determined 1/3 of students (226)

would use recreational fields.

Average Number of People / Residence (household size – Ohio Average) = 3

Number of Daily Hours Used = 8 hours (6.5 regular hours and 1.5 after school hours)

Days Used per Year = 180 instructional days

The equivalent number of receptors would be 12.4 (678/3/3x8/24x180/365) for the

school.

1. Evaluate all other C, D, and E land uses using consistent methodology shown in the

aforementioned examples. When calculating the equivalent receptors for a FHWA

Category C, D, or E land use, consider the actual frequent human use and seasonal aspect

of the land usage. Coordinate/contact OES to discuss the input data into the formula to

determine equivalent receptors prior to report submission.

H. Eligibility for Insulation as a Noise Abatement Measure

► see Appendix_D: Sample Noise Insulation Work Agreement

► see Appendix_E: Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist

Noise abatement measures may include installation of central air conditioning; providing

acoustical drapes, and installation of double-paned windows and solid-core doors. All

Category D land uses qualify for insulation as a noise abatement measure. A structure that

already has central air, double-paned windows and solid-core doors will benefit little from

further insulation. In these cases the department will not offer insulation as a noise

abatement measure. An inspection of Category D land uses is necessary to determine

eligibility for insulation as a noise abatement measure. Please refer to the Noise Insulation

Inspection Checklist (Appendix B). The owner of the land use must enter into a written

agreement with ODOT to furnish acoustic insulation (see Appendix C). In no case will

ODOT spend more to insulate a Category D site than it would cost to build a typical noise

barrier to protect the same location. Offering insulation as a noise abatement measure is

only available if exterior abatement is not feasible and reasonable and an interior impact

has been established and the receptor will benefit from insulation. This is not left to the

discretion of the owner or occupant of the Category D land use.

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Places of worship, Libraries, Meeting Rooms and Schools: Consideration for noise

insulation is limited to classrooms, libraries, and auditoriums (sanctuaries) with exterior

windows or exterior doors facing the roadway.

NOTE: Insulation Materials Requirements: Windows and doors used for noise

insulation must have a minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 39.

Acoustical Drapes must have a minimum STC of 27. Installation of central air

conditioning is considered in cases where windows must be opened to cool a

building during warm weather. Any modification to a historic structure should

include a screening analysis to determine if the structure requires Section 106

coordination/consultation, prior to any modification to the structure.

I. Noise Analysis Format, Content, and Procedures

► see Appendix_F: Noise Analysis Report Checklist

A noise analysis will result in a Noise Analysis Report and Noise Barrier Design Table

(NBDT). The amount and extent of noise assessment information, discussion, and

disclosure in the environmental document should be consistent with that described in the

latest revision of the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement

Guidance, Appendix B.

The noise analysis report will include the following sections, as applicable. Information

should be provided in a format that is easy to understand. Use of tables is recommended.

a. Introduction: The introduction will provide a description of the study area

and the project alternatives.

b. Noise Analysis Overview: Includes a discussion of the applicability of

Federal regulation and guidance and the ODOT noise manual to the project;

a discussion of analysis objectives to include a basic discussion of the noise

model used for the analysis; a discussion of basic noise principles; a

discussion of the categories of noise sensitive areas in the study area and a

discussion of existing and design year traffic.

c. Noise Measurements: Includes a discussion of noise measurements for the

project. Noise measurements establish a record of the actual noise level

within a project study area and play a role in developing an accurate noise

model. All noise reading locations must be placed in areas of frequent

exterior human use. Counts of traffic (cars, medium trucks, and heavy

trucks) during the measurement period are required. Field noise readings

are required at each neighborhood within the study area. The readings

typically consist of no more than two front row receptors (representing the

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length of a potential noise barrier location) and possibly one additional

reading at a second row receptor and one at the edge of the study area (i.e.

500’), however, the appropriate number of noise readings are determined

on a project by project basis. If highway noise impacts are identified at the

study area limit based on noise measurements, the study area should be

expanded. The analyst shall coordinate, with OES Noise staff, a noise

measurement plan providing the location and number of noise

measurements proposed for each project, prior to performing any field

work. Aerial mapping in color and showing all noise reading locations must

be provided. All noise reading locations must have a corresponding address

or specific location provided. All TNM receivers must be shown on aerial

photos. Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, average wind,

maximum wind, and wind direction must be recorded for each noise

reading.

d. Noise Modeling: Title 23 CFR 772.9 requires use of TNM, Version 2.5 to

conduct noise modeling and predict noise levels for any Federal-aid

highway projects. The noise descriptor will be Leq (h). The noise analyst

will set up the noise model in accordance with the TNM User’s Guide and

with consideration given to additional information provided in the TNM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provided by the FHWA at the following

internet address:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ENVIRonment/noise/tnm/faq/faq_geninfo.htm.

Include a discussion of noise modeling for the project. Discuss the traffic

volumes inputted into the model. Posted speed limit must be used in the

model, unless it is determined that the operating speed is consistently

higher. The typical method is to divide the study area into noise sensitive

areas (NSAs) that represent neighborhoods or other logically grouped noise

sensitive land uses based on proximity to each other. The modeling effort

will include validation models based on noise measurements and traffic

counts taken during the noise measurements as well as modeling of the

existing condition and the design year build alternatives. This is where the

analyst will report predicted noise levels and impacts in general terms. If a

community has 50 homes or less, model every home. If a community has

greater than 50 homes, then representative homes can be modeled. Always

model the roadway side of a home, front yard or backyard facing the

roadway

All receiver points in the noise model must have a corresponding address or

location included in the noise analysis report. Addresses of all of the

benefited receptors must be provided. All receiver point IDs must be shown

on aerial photos. Report graphics must illustrate modeled receptors,

impacted receptors, benefited receptors, impacted and benefited receptors,

modeled noise barriers recommended and/or not recommended.

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If it is required to model a noise barrier, a minimum of two noise barrier

scenarios should be modeled relative to lateral placement and height and

documented with the optimum barrier being recommended. Exceptions

must be approved by OES. Relative to noise wall height and length,

multiple scenarios must be modeled with the optimum acoustic scenario

recommended. The noise analyst should design the minimum feasible and

reasonable barrier first, then continue with other scenarios that are better

acoustically. ODOT’s noise wall heights typically fall within the range of

10’-16’, however, noise wall heights outside of this range may need to be

analyzed and potentially recommended. If a modeled noise wall that is

feasible and reasonable falls outside of this range, contact OES before

moving forward. To avoid undesirable acoustic end effects, the noise wall

should extend 2 times as far in each direction as the distance from the end

receiver to the barrier. Noise walls must be modeled on and off existing

structures. If a noise wall is feasible and reasonable without requiring any

portion of noise wall on structure, ODOT’s preference is no noise wall on

structure. Barrier lengths are computed by TNM2.5. If a noise wall is

modeled and determined to be feasible and reasonable or not, the noise

consultant must provide ODOT with a “Noise Wall Preliminary Placement

Plan (NWPPP)” for expedited review and approval BEFORE the noise

report is finalized and submitted to ODOT for review. The NWPPP

involves providing ODOT an aerial photo, electronically, showing all

modeled noise wall location(s), feasible and reasonable or not, and

associated wall information. Another option is for the noise analyst to

submit an NWPPP to ODOT prior to beginning any modeling in an effort

to minimize modeling iterations.

For each modeled noise wall, ODOT is looking for a consistent wall height (relatively flat), not a wide range of heights, particularly for walls at the edge of shoulder (EOS), where the top of wall profile should closely parallel the roadway profile. This allows for an easier transition into the design phase and avoids potential future post-construction complaints from benefited receptors. Indicate if a modeled noise wall is at the EOS, ROW, both, or somewhere in between (i.e. edge of foreslope or backslope). If a noise wall is recommended at the EOS, indicate if the bottom of wall elevations are the edge of shoulder elevations. Precise bottom of wall elevations (BOWE) are critical to the accuracy of the noise wall results and recommendations. BOWEs must be precise in the model. Also, the noise analyst must illustrate, describe, and discuss the precise placement of the noise wall relative to the adjacent roadway.

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If a noise wall is feasible and reasonable, provide location and placement,

average height, length, estimated cost, square footage, # of benefited

receptors, cost per benefited receptor, # of impacted receptors, # of

impacted and benefited receptors, total benefited receptors.

For every noise wall determined to be feasible and reasonable in the Noise

Analysis phase, the noise analyst must coordinate the noise wall location

with the ODOT District Utility Coordinator or contact OUPS to determine

if there are any potential glaring issues with existing or proposed utilities.

The results of the coordination must be discussed in the Noise Analysis

report.

If an earthen mound noise barrier is determined to be feasible and

reasonable to construct, this alternative shall be considered the first option.

The noise analysis must include a discussion as to why an earthen mound

noise barrier is or is not a feasible alternative material choice.

A detailed discussion of the type and number of noise impacts resulting

from construction of each project alternative must be provided. Relative to

showing noise levels, increases, and reductions in the report, show one

decimal point. For Category B and C receptors, 65.5 dBA is an impact.

65.4 is not an impact.

► see Appendix_G: Flowchart for Noise Wall Placement in the Modeling Phase

e. Traffic Information: A discussion and spreadsheet showing the Existing and

Design Year ADT, VPH, truck %, A/B/C vehicle volumes (both traffic

counted during each noise measurement and certified traffic) is required.

Posted speed limit must be used in the model, unless there is reason to

believe operating speed is consistently higher.

f. Noise Abatement Measures: A discussion of the noise abatement

alternatives in 23 CFR 772.15(c) to include an assessment of reasonableness

and feasibility for each method and a description and cost estimate for

selected noise abatement measures.

g. Undeveloped Lands: A discussion of noise levels on undeveloped lands and

recommendations for local officials is required. The purpose of this

discussion is to comply with 23 CFR 772.17 Information for Local

Officials. This provision is intended to assist local officials to avoid land

development adjacent to highways that is incompatible with highway noise.

In accordance with 772.13(b)(3), ODOT will not consider a noise barrier

as cost reasonable for future Type II projects at locations identified in a

previous noise analysis as impacted by highway noise but previously

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considered not cost reasonable and/or feasible. To minimize future traffic

noise impacts on currently undeveloped lands of Type I projects, local

officials within whose jurisdiction the highway project is located shall be

informed of the best estimation of the future design year noise levels at

various distances from the edge of the nearest travel lane of the highway

improvement where the future noise levels meet ODOT’s definition of

“approach” for undeveloped lands. At a minimum, identify the distance to

the exterior noise abatement criteria in Table 1.

h. Construction Noise: Address construction noise in accordance with 23 CFR

772.19.

i. Conclusion: Provide a summary of the findings of the noise analysis.

j. Appendices: The appendices include the following supporting information:

1. Make, model, serial number and certificate of calibration for all

noise meters and associated calibration units used for field noise

readings. All devices must have been calibrated within the past

twelve calendar months or in accordance with the

manufacturer’s recommendation. Provide documentation of the

manufacturer’s recommended calibration interval and

calibration certificates.

2. TNM Roadways Input, Traffic Input, Receiver Input, Barrier

Input, Sound Level Results Table. Depending on volume of

data, this information can be placed on a CD.

3. TNM Barrier Description Table (if applicable)

4. TNM Barrier Segment Descriptions Table (if applicable)

5. TNM Plan Views

6. Traffic Data (certified traffic data is required for a Noise

Analysis, however, planning level traffic may be acceptable.

Contact OES if certified traffic is not available)

7. Legible aerial project mapping showing measured and modeled

data points. Mapping provided must be in scale suitable to the

size of the project and must clearly show modeled locations and

proposed mitigation designs. Multiple maps may be necessary

for larger projects. Use of aerial photographs with a project plan

overlay is required. All receiver point IDs must be shown on

aerial photos. Report graphics must illustrate modeled

receptors, impacted receptors, benefited receptors, impacted and

benefited receptors, modeled noise barriers recommended

and/or not recommended. All recommended barriers must

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include an aerial map showing points along the barrier

corresponding to a wall height every 50’ or less.

8. A CDROM that includes a digital version of the noise analysis

report and appendices. The CDROM will also include all TNM

files used to prepare the noise analysis including all model runs

and drawing interchange format (dxf) files used to develop the

models will be provided on the CDROM as part of the noise

analysis submission. All TNM scenarios will be easily

identifiable by the name of the run. The CDROM will include a

text file that provides a table of contents and an explanation of

the naming convention used for the TNM models.

9. PI notification letters for field work.

10. Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) included (if applicable and

scoped for)

11. Addresses of all benefited receptors (>5 dBA) (occupants and/or

owners) for each noise wall determined to be feasible and

reasonable included

The Noise Analysis can include a Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) which

includes information such as top of wall elevations, bottom of wall elevations,

distance offset from roadway centerline, barrier heights, and wall stationing every

50' or less.

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J. Noise Public Involvement

► see Appendix_H: Flowchart for Noise Analysis Public Involvement Process

► see Appendix_I: Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart

► see Appendix_J: Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) Document Checklist

Noise public involvement is conducted after the Noise Analysis is prepared and approved.

Public involvement shall be held for each noise barrier project per ORC 5517.05 effective

June 30, 1995. Public involvement shall be held for the purposes of soliciting comments

from property owners and residents of the benefited receptors. Desires for or against the

project, barrier material type, textures and colors will be discussed and preferences

documented. Coordination with the local political authorities, i.e., mayor, City Council,

Township Trustees, may be done separately or concurrently. For abatement to be designed

and constructed, a minimum of 50% of the property owners and residents of the benefited

receptors should respond in favor of the abatement.

The ODOT typically meets with local officials as part of the public involvement process

to obtain their input on noise barrier aesthetics on the roadway side of the noise barrier. To

minimize future traffic noise impacts on currently undeveloped lands of Type I projects,

local officials within whose jurisdiction the highway project is located shall be informed

of the best estimation of the future design year noise levels at various distances from the

edge of the nearest travel lane of the highway improvement where the future noise levels

meet the highway agency’s definition of “approach” for undeveloped lands. At a

minimum, identify the distance to the exterior noise abatement criteria in Table 1.

23CFR772.13(h) requires that noise abatement be included in project plans, specifications,

and estimates where they are feasible and reasonable. Concerns of local officials will be

considered in the noise abatement design, but will not be a determining factor regarding

noise barrier construction.

The ODOT communicates with the property owners and residents of the benefited

receptors when noise barriers are offered as noise abatement and provides the opportunity

for them to indicate whether or not they want noise abatement. If noise abatement is

feasible and reasonable, the affected receptors may also choose the aesthetic appearance of

the receptor side of the noise barrier.

► see Appendix_K: Noise PI Standard Colors and Textures Template

1. For Type I projects, it is the responsibility of the ODOT to solicit the viewpoints of all of

the benefited receptors and obtain enough responses to document a decision on either

desiring or not desiring the noise abatement measure. Mailed surveys should include

enough information for receptors to determine whether or not they desire a noise barrier,

to select from various aesthetic (color and texture) options, and to select vegetation if a

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noise barrier is not desired. A mailed survey augments data collected from a public meeting

and may be used in lieu of a public meeting in many cases. The survey must include

information about the project and provide information regarding noise abatement

considerations associated with the project. This survey must be pre-stamped and self-addressed for return.

Respondents shall be given the opportunity to indicate whether or not they want a noise

barrier or if they prefer a vegetative screening in lieu of a noise barrier, only if a vegetative

screening is constructible and will provide an actual screening. Field review the site as

needed. Spending for vegetation in lieu of a noise barrier is limited to not more than $125

per lineal foot. Respondents to surveys must be identified by name and address.

As an option to asking receptors to make a selection from various aesthetic color and

texture options, ODOT can elect to decide the color and/or texture of the noise barrier for

the community and solicit any comments regarding the choice made by ODOT.

In lieu of an open house noise public meeting, an effective strategy ODOT encourages for

noise public involvement is going door-to-door to the benefited receptors (canvassing) and

providing them with the mailers and even giving them the option to sign a petition for a

noise wall if they choose to. Another effective strategy for noise public involvement is to

meet with the community leaders and/or attend scheduled neighborhood association

meetings. Other noise PI tools include phone call canvassing, email responses, and

online/web-based technology. A conference call or meeting between the noise public

involvement consultant and ODOT should be held to discuss the proposed noise public

involvement strategy, expectations, and deliverables, prior to conducting noise public

involvement.

Consideration for whether or not noise abatement will be constructed is left to the benefited

property owners and residents of the receptors. For owner-occupied dwellings, one ballot

shall be solicited per benefited receptor but is counted as 2 votes/tallies. Relative to

benefited rental properties in the same noise sensitive area, one owner ballot and individual

resident ballot shall be solicited and is counted as 2 votes/tallies (1 vote for the owner and

1 vote for the renter). There is also the option to count an owner-occupied dwelling as 1

vote/tally, however, a benefited rental property within the same noise sensitive area would

be counted as 1 vote/tally (0.5 votes for the owner and 0.5 votes for the renter).

Regarding multi-family buildings, the owner will have the same number of votes as there

are number of dwelling units and each rental unit will have one vote per unit. For example,

for a 10-unit apartment building, the owner will have ten votes and each unit will receive

one vote. An owner-occupied residence of an apartment complex will receive one owner

vote (equaling the same number of votes as there are number of dwelling units) plus one

additional vote as an occupant. For example, for a 10 unit apartment building in which the

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owner occupies one unit, the owner will receive ten votes as the owner of the building plus

one vote as an occupant, totaling 11 votes for the owner. A single family home being rented

is 1 benefited receptor but is allowed 2 votes, 1 for the renter and 1 for the owner, and those

votes must be tallied. An unoccupied rental that is livable receives 1 vote/tally from the

owner. There is no tally for the occupant. Vacant/boarded up/condemned residential

buildings requiring a permit to become livable are not considered noise sensitive areas.

For abatement to be designed and constructed, a minimum of 51% of the benefited property

owners and residents should respond in favor of the abatement. If the first noise public

involvement survey does not result in a minimum of 51% of the benefited property owners

and residents responding in favor of the noise abatement due to a lack of responses, a

resurvey of the non-responders should be conducted. A resurvey may be the final attempt

to solicit comments from the benefited property owners and residents, or additional

resurveying can be performed of the non-responders. The ODOT District Environmental

Coordinator shall be coordinated with relative to all noise public involvement activities

including resurveying. If desire for noise abatement is unclear after multiple resurveying

activities, consultation with the FHWA Division Office may be initiated or a decision can

be made at that time regarding moving forward with the abatement or not.

A Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) must be prepared which discusses the

results and shows them in a tabular fashion and includes aerial mapping showing the

benefited receptors that responded and what their response was relative to desire and

aesthetics as well as the benefited receptors that didn’t respond. NPIS graphics must also

show the proposed noise wall and, if applicable, benefited receptors being taken by the

project, foreclosures, and/or vacancies.

The Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) report must be reviewed and approved by

ODOT and written recommendations made by the project team on whether or not to

construct the noise wall(s), prior to beginning any noise abatement design activity.

After the decision has been made as to whether or not a noise wall will be constructed, a

notification should be mailed to the benefited receptors informing them of the decision.

If available, the results of the Noise Public Involvement and ODOT’s responses should be

included in the NEPA documentation for the project. Otherwise, these items must be

included in the NEPA documentation as environmental commitments to the project.

Pre noise wall construction noise public involvement should be conducted to inform the

benefited receptors of the upcoming noise wall construction project schedule.

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VI. Type II Projects

► see Appendix_L: Flowchart for Type II Noise Wall Process

►see Appendix_M: Application and Petition Forms for Type II Noise Barrier Mitigation

23 USC 772.13 paragraph (b) - Federal participation has been revised to read as follows: (b) For

Type II projects, (1) No funds made available out of the Highway Trust Fund may be used to

construct Type II noise barriers, as defined by this regulation, if such noise barriers were not part

of a project approved by the FHWA before November 28, 1995. (2) Federal funds are available

for Type II noise barriers along lands that were developed or were under substantial construction

before approval of the acquisition of the rights-of-way, or construction of, the existing highway.

(3) FHWA will not approve noise abatement for locations where such measures were previously

determined not to be feasible and reasonable for a Type I project.

ODOT’s present Type II program honors commitments made prior to November 1, 1995 and is in

effect through FY 2015. Type II noise barrier projects developed after this date that are in areas

where 90% of the adjacent development (impacted receptors) predates the construction of the

roadway, may be State and Federally funded. House Bill 201 (HB-201: 1992-1993 Biennium

Budget Bill), effective July 1, 1991, prompted the prioritization of noise sensitive areas around the

state. The goal of the Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for receptors

that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway. Communities that qualify under

the Type II noise barrier program and desire a noise barrier are required to complete application

and petition forms for Type II noise mitigation (see Appendix A). Once the forms are reviewed

and approved by ODOT, the requirement for desire has been met and the only item left to be

determined is the aesthetics which can be determined via mail survey. The Type II prioritization

process considers existing noise levels and the preliminary cost per benefited receptor based on

preliminary modeling. This is used to achieve a fair and equitable prioritization process.

Prioritization can also be based on other factors such as type of development to be protected,

constructability and practicability of highway traffic noise abatement at the site, and increase in

highway traffic noise since the development was constructed.

A noise analysis and test for feasibility and reasonableness as addressed in Title 23 CFR 772 shall

be performed for all Type II projects in the same manner as conducted for Type I projects. When

selecting project limits and specific locations, consideration should be given to maintenance of

traffic and construction contract duration. Projects should generally be selected according to their

prioritization, however, other considerations, such as construction at all listed locations within a

corridor, may result in construction of a project with a lower priority before higher priority

projects. Noise barrier installations can also be added to project locations already programmed for

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upgrading, i.e., resurfacing, R/W fence replacement, etc. as long as both projects are independently

prioritized and fall within the same construction time frame. Combining project locations with

others based on roadside locations (left and right) is permitted. Normal procedures for

programming through both the Office of System Planning and Program Management and the

District Office should be followed. This criteria does not apply to Type I projects.

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VII. Barrier Design Criteria

► see Appendix_N: Noise Wall Construction Plan Preparation-Review Checklist

► see Appendix_I: Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart

The following is a list of criteria that shall be incorporated into the design and construction of a

noise barrier by the Department.

1. Portions of the noise barrier intended for use as noise abatement (hereafter referred to as

the full height barrier) will have a minimum height of 8’-0” and a maximum height of 20’-

0”. The maximum 20’ height is in accordance with ODOT Noise Barrier Specifications

(NBS-1-09). OES must approve any requests to exceed the maximum 20’ height.

2. Changes in the top of wall elevation are limited to increments of 1’-0”. Relative to the

transition sections, where feasible and practical, the barrier will step down in 4’-0”

increments to a height of 5’-6’ per the ODOT Aesthetic Design Guidelines. If the wall

approaches a structure, there should be no transition. In no case should the top elevation of

the transition section be below the elevation of the adjacent roadway. For locations where

transitioning to a 5’-6’ panel results in a top of wall elevation below the roadway elevation,

end the barrier when the top of wall elevation is 5’-0” above the elevation of the adjacent

roadway. Exceptions must be coordinated through the Office of Environmental Services.

The additional wall area for the transition sections will not be added to the cost of

abatement since this is for aesthetic purposes only. The final barrier design will include

the full height barrier and the transition section on each end. To reduce the chances of

interfering with future widening projects, the preferred location of noise barriers is along

the right-of-way line where the noise barrier essentially replaces the existing ROW fencing

and the existing ROW fencing is removed. Barriers should only be located adjacent to the

shoulder in cases where the roadway is on significant fill or where the topography of the

right-of-way line or other conflicting feature or utility would make construction of the noise

barrier unfeasible.

3. Noise barriers will be designed according to the noise barrier standards available from the

ODOT Office of Structural Engineering (BDM Section 800). All noise barrier design plans

on conventional and/or design-build projects must be field reviewed by OES Noise staff,

District staff, and the project manager/engineer(s) prior to being finalized. Prior to

beginning a noise wall design, a conference call must be initiated by the consultant and

held between the noise wall construction plan preparer/designer, the ODOT OES Noise

Coordinator, ODOT District Environmental Coordinator, the ODOT Project Manager, and

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structural staff as needed, to discuss the details and expectations of the design. The reason

for this requirement is to help ensure the design will meet ODOT’s expectations in an effort

to avoid/minimize potential revisions/comments to the design during ODOT review. The

noise wall construction plan preparer/designer must adhere to ODOT’s Noise Wall

Construction Plan Preparation/Review Checklist.

4. ODOT strongly desires a smooth top of wall profile for aesthetic purposes. It is acceptable

for the noise wall construction plan preparer to raise the wall height of certain bays by 1’

or 2’ to achieve this goal. In some cases, it may be acceptable for the noise wall

construction plan preparer to lower the wall height below the acoustical profile of certain

bays by 1’ or 2’ to achieve this goal. Consultation with OES should occur in these cases

to ensure that noise reductions are not negatively affected.

5. ODOT takes a sensitive approach to clearing and grubbing. Care shall be taken to design

for the removal of only those trees that are absolutely necessary to perform the construction

of the noise wall. A 25’ clear path about the centerline of the noise wall is the maximum

clearing width permitted. The Project Engineer should coordinate with District

Environmental Staff and OES Noise staff before any clearing and grubbing begins. For

noise wall projects that involve substantial tree clearing but where many trees can

potentially be saved, the development of a tree clearing plan will be warranted to ensure

that only those trees that are absolutely necessary to perform the construction of the noise

wall are removed. Trees identified for removal must be evaluated and coordinated as

appropriate for potential as roosting trees for bat species or other endangered species

concerns.

6. Concrete noise barriers have proven the most cost effective for recent projects and permit

the greatest flexibility for aesthetic treatments. However, other noise barrier material types

are available for use (i.e. fiberglass, aluminum, earthen mounding, etc).

7. Barrier must be placed in accordance with all ODOT safety design standards, relative to

lateral clearance. When noise walls must be placed behind existing or proposed guardrail,

the proposed noise wall should be placed as close to the guardrail as possible in order to

maximize wall height and acoustic protection. Utilize a guardrail system that allows for

minimum deflection.

8. ODOT will provide abatement to mitigate highway-related noise only. All noise barrier

designs must have the written approval of the Office of Environmental Services (OES) and

the Office of Structural Engineering (OSE).

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9. Installation of sound absorptive noise barriers (i.e. the use of sound absorptive material)

must be approved by OES. Typical uses for sound absorptive noise barriers have been

where there are noise sensitive areas across from a proposed noise wall or where parallel

barriers are proposed. However, if the width to height ratio of the roadway section to the

noise barrier is at least 10:1, the use of sound absorptive material (SAM) on noise walls is

not required, based on FHWA guidance and research. For example, this means that the use

of SAM for two parallel barriers 10’ tall and 120’ apart, is not required.

10. Reflective barriers are required in isolated areas with no noise sensitive land use on the

opposite side of the roadway. Locations where future development may result in a noise

sensitive land use on the opposite side of the roadway should also have reflective barriers

installed. Locations with industrial or commercial use on the opposite side of the roadway

are locations for reflective barriers.

11. Prior to beginning a noise wall design, a conference call should be held between the noise

wall construction plan preparer/designer, OES, and District, to discuss the details and

expectations of the design. The reason for this requirement is to help ensure the design

will meet ODOT’s expectations and to avoid/minimize potential revisions/comments to the

design during ODOT review.

12. Ensure all noise analyses and current and future noise wall design plans address the

following issues regarding highway lighting: Access to power for tower lighting and light

poles (i.e. relocate the source to the highway side of the noise wall); Access to the actual

tower lighting and/or light pole for maintenance; The potential need for a new ground-

mounted or pole mounted “disconnect; system” on the highway side of the noise wall or

an access door.; Not restricting the lowering of the luminaire ring during maintenance;

Necessary relocation of tower lighting and/or light poles; Access to CCTV (closed circuit

TV camera) and RWIS (road weather information system) systems.

13. In addition to smooth top of wall profiles, smoothen out all bottom of wall profiles to

reduce SF where possible. Associated with that, where feasible, consider designing a

higher proposed grade than existing grade to ensure bottom panels are buried at least 6”

and no greater than 1’ in flat ground, wall SF is minimized, and bottom of wall profiles are

smooth.

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14. If applicable to the design, position icons 2.5’ or 3’ from the top of wall. The goal is to

avoid any part of the icon being blocked by guardrail or safety barrier and/or to keep the

bottom of the icon sufficiently away from the top of guardrail or safety barrier. It is

ODOT’s preference that the top of the icon is NOT the top of the panel.

15. Show the adjacent roadway and/or ramp profile on the noise wall profile. This helps to

ensure the height of the noise wall matches the requirements of the noise analysis.

16. Noise wall plans must indicate the federal color and color number and texture of posts and

panels. Post cap, panel cap and/or finial details must be provided as well.

17. If an Ashlar stone texture is required, use the “Architectural Polymers Ashlar Stone Pattern

905O or engineered approved equal”. This pattern has a minimum 1” relief depth, which

is an ODOT preference.

18. There must be little to no gap (vertical or horizontal) between a structure mounted barrier

and a ground mounted barrier, to ensure an effective noise wall system. Design an overlap

between a structure mounted barrier and a ground mounted barrier that maximizes acoustic

protection. Contact OES as needed.

19. Overlapped ground mounted noise walls should have a 3:1 ratio of length of overlap to

width of gap, excluding step downs. The back side wall toward the noise sensitive area

should not have step downs. The front side wall closest to the highway should have step

downs.

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VIII. Noise Wall Material Selection and Project Implementation

The noise barrier material shall be in keeping with the ODOT’s Aesthetic Initiative. Noise

barriers shall have minimal step heights and a finished coping or sill treatment along the

top. The ODOT will initially contact the benefited receptors and other community

members and local officials and present information on the Noise Barrier Program and all

approved material types. The local officials will be advised that if the municipality requests

the noise barrier be constructed with approved standard material types (i.e concrete,

fiberglass) no additional costs will be required from the local political authority. Use of

alternative materials is determined on a project basis. If an earthen mound noise barrier

is determined to be feasible and reasonable to construct, this alternative shall be

considered the first option.

If the local political authority selects a non-approved material type the project plans will

list all approved materials as the base bid option for the contractor and list the requested

material as the alternate bid. The local officials will be advised the difference in cost

between the base and alternate bid will be the responsibility of the local political authority.

Federal funds shall not participate in payment of the premium of the alternate product.

If the local political authority selects a specific supplier the project plans will list all the

approved material suppliers as the base bid and list the requested specific supplier as the

alternate bid. The local officials will be advised that the difference in cost between the base

and alternate bid will be their responsibility. Federal funds shall not participate in

payment of the premium of the alternate product.

If the local political authority does not select any material type, the project plans will list

all the approved material suppliers. In the case where a noise wall is to be constructed

through two or more adjacent communities, the ODOT will make the material selection

offer as above with the stipulation that only one material will be erected continuously

between major intersections. The appropriate ODOT District will have the responsibility

of conducting the Public Involvement Meeting after conferring with the local political

authority(ies).

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IX. Maintenance

All noise barriers constructed by ODOT shall be located within the highway right-of-way.

Such noise barriers will be maintained by ODOT unless a maintenance agreement between

ODOT and the local government dictates otherwise. Noise barrier maintenance costs will

be funded with District allocation funds or noise barrier replacement/maintenance funds.

Noise barriers that were Federally funded must be maintained and repaired if damaged for

the design life of the barrier. On a state route facility within a municipality or a local road,

noise barrier or vegetative screening maintenance is a local responsibility. Existing noise

barriers being replaced due to deterioration over time are typically replaced in kind.

However, a field review of the existing barrier and the surrounding environment should

occur and if it appears the noise environment may have changed, the previous noise

analysis should be reevaluated to determine if the existing barrier should be modified prior

to replacement. Noise barrier replacement/maintenance prioritization will be based on

ODOT’s Noise Barrier Condition Rating (NBCR) system below. District should submit a

scope and cost estimate to OES for a warranted noise barrier repair or replacement. OES

will take that information and work with the Office of Program Management to program

the project.

Table 3: Noise Barrier Condition Rating (NBCR) Criteria

Noise Barrier Rating Required Maintenance Action Description

5 None New barrier or barrier < 15 yrs old in great condition

4 None Barrier >15 yrs old still in good condition

3 Coating within 5 years Some efflorescence, dirt, poor aesthetics, little to no structural damage

2 Immediate coating or full replacement within 5 years

Heavy efflorescence, dirt, poor aesthetics, some structural damage

1 Immediate Full Replacement Structural damage/deterioration throughout length of barrier

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X. Aesthetics

1. The ODOT will provide options to the adjacent receptors, property owners, and

local political authorities via public meetings conducted by the appropriate ODOT

personnel. Aesthetic options and material types shall be presented. All structural

noise barriers shall be textured on both the highway and receptor side and have top

coping or sill treatment. Aesthetic options for noise barriers must adhere to the

latest version of ODOT’s Aesthetic Design Guidelines.

2. Landscaping will be considered for all noise barrier projects. Funding (i.e. federal,

state, local, enhancement, etc.) will be determined after completion of the public

involvement process. The landscaping design plan for all noise barrier projects shall

be designed by ODOT or an approved ODOT design consultant.

For Federal-aid projects, landscaping and other visual enhancements can be

provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of noise barriers (including berms

and barrier/berm combinations). Such enhancements can also be provided on any

Federal-aid project as part of a context sensitive approach, even if noise barriers are

not constructed. Landscaping and other aesthetic treatments are eligible for

Federal-aid participation to the same extent other eligible project costs are.

If ODOT decides to design and construct a vegetative screening for aesthetic

purposes, then the adjacent property owners must be informed that this screening

is not meant for noise abatement and will provide little to no noise reduction.

Vegetative screenings are an enhancement for the adjacent properties and should

only block the line of sight of the majority of the traffic. See Appendix D for a

sample drawing of a vegetative screening. The view of the top of tractor-trailer

should not be taken into consideration in the design of a vegetative screening.

ODOT-OES should be contacted and utilized in regard to the use, design, and

aesthetics of any screening activities such as walls or vegetative screens. A

vegetative screening can be kept in a project manager’s toolbox for use in ROW

negotiation with adjacent land owners. Spending for vegetation in lieu of a noise

barrier is limited to not more than $125 per lineal foot.

3. The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 5517.05 requires ODOT to present design

options available for the proposed noise barrier at each public information meeting

including, when physically feasible to construct, at least one design consisting of

natural barriers such as trees, shrubs, mounds or other similar elements should be

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presented. The adjacent property owners must be informed that trees and shrubs

are not meant for noise abatement and will provide little to no noise reduction.

Should earthen mounds in lieu of structural barriers be presented, the abatement

potential of said mounds shall also be addressed. Should any of the above

alternative measures be compatible with the design goals of a given project and are

found to be feasible and reasonable, the measures can be presented to the public.

4. Transparent noise barriers will only be considered when the affected land use is one

that could be considered unique or has a special interest by the community.

Examples of such uses could be a community's central business districts, historic

properties or other areas that are considered to be special or unique to the

community and that a visual connection to/from the transportation facility is

required to maintain that use. In these cases, the barriers must qualify for federal

funding, must not pose a sound reflective impact to areas opposite the facility and

be approved by both the Administrator of ODOT's Office of Environmental

Services and by the ODOT Deputy Director of the Division of Planning. Once

approved, the use of transparent noise barriers will be included in the cost of the

project and funded by the project.

5. When noise abatement requirements dictate the erection of noise barriers, the

design and construction of such noise barriers shall be in accordance with the

Department's established Aesthetic Design Guidelines. These guidelines set forth

the ODOT’s goals and expectations that highway improvements and their

appurtenances be visually compatible with their surroundings and aesthetically

pleasing in general, and in arriving at such designs, consideration has been given to

the preferences of the affected community as well as to the overall appearance of

the extended highway corridor. Toward this end, noise barrier surfaces that are

visible from either the roadway or the community side shall be designed to include

a uniform, aesthetic textured appearance.

6. Proposed icons, logos and/or lettering on noise walls will be considered on a case

by case basis. The design must be reviewed and approved by both the

Administrator of ODOT's Office of Environmental Services and by the ODOT

Deputy Director of the Division of Planning. Once approved, the

icons/logo/lettering on the noise wall will be included in the cost of the project and

funded by the project. The number of different icons and frequency of each icon

shall be reviewed and approved by ODOT. Large noise wall projects should have

no more than 4 different icons allowed.

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XI. Noise Best Management Practices (BMPs)

1. If a noise wall is proposed adjacent to the roadway shoulder, consider the use of

fiberglass material.

2. When noise walls must be placed behind existing or proposed guardrail, the

proposed noise wall should be placed as close to the guardrail as possible in order

to maximize wall height and acoustic protection. Utilize a guardrail system that

allows for minimum deflection.

3. In the analysis phase, coordinate the placement of a noise barrier with maintenance,

utility and construction experts as much as possible. This helps to eliminate or

minimize issues in the design and construction phases.

4. ODOT strongly discourages the use of dark colors on noise walls.

5. ODOT highly recommends the use of light neutral colors on noise walls.

6. ODOT encourages leaving the posts uncolored. Only color the panels.

7. For large noise wall projects, ODOT encourages scoping the general contractor to

hire a qualified noise wall inspector to oversee the noise wall process from cradle

to grave.

8. ODOT highly recommends a final walk thru of a newly constructed noise wall with

Central Office and District personnel.

9. ODOT encourages inviting the noise wall supplier and ODOT Noise Coordinator

to the ODOT Preconstruction meeting.

10. ODOT encourages holding a conference call between ODOT, the general

contractor, and the noise wall supplier before noise wall manufacturing begins to

go over ODOT’s expectations.

11. ODOT strongly discourages the use of sound absorptive noise walls in harsh

freeze/thaw areas.

12. ODOT encourages not coloring the panels or posts as an option. Only texturing the

panels.

13. Relative to noise wall texture, ODOT recommends the use of large rounded

patterns, and no sharp edges.

14. ODOT encourages informing the public of noise wall color and texture and

soliciting comments. This simplifies the noise PI process.

15. ODOT strongly recommends a conference call or meeting between the noise public

involvement consultant and ODOT should be held to discuss the proposed noise

public involvement strategy, expectations, and deliverables, prior to conducting

noise public involvement.

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16. After the decision has been made as to whether or not a noise wall will be

constructed, a notification should be mailed to the benefited receptors informing

them of the decision.

17. Conduct pre and/or post noise wall construction noise public involvement.

18. The use of the brick texture is not recommended. However, if brick must be used,

it should only be on one side of the wall (not both sides) and rounded edge brick

formliners should be used. This is based on feedback from noise wall contractors

and suppliers.

19. The same noise wall texture and/or color on both sides of a proposed noise wall is

highly recommended and to our advantage relative to pricing and ease of

manufacturing and results in a better chance for a better overall finished

product. Also, keep in mind that we have the flexibility to offer the public one

texture and one color or even NO color. The advantages of using no color are lower

cost, no peeling paint concerns, no fading color issues, chips won’t be noticeable,

and graffiti removal would be simplified.

20. Ensure that the noise wall plans specify if the integral post cap or panel cap should

have an overhang or not. OES recommends the panel cap overhang but no post cap

overhang.

21. Peeling paint on posts at the edge of shoulder has been a concern on recent

projects. Use no color on the posts for proposed new noise walls at the edge of

shoulder to avoid the issue. Apply a clear sealer to the posts.

22. Add a plan note to the noise wall construction plans to not allow over certain

percentage (SF each panel) of a new wall to be repaired and add QC at the noise

wall plant.

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XII. Cost per Benefited Receptor Evaluation

Evaluate the cost per benefited receptor on a biennial basis as part of the standard biennial

reevaluation of this standard procedure as required in SP 122-002 VII, A. ODOT will adjust

the cost per benefited receptor using the following method:

Calculate the average cost per square foot for noise barriers constructed over the preceding

two year period using ODOT Bid Tabulation data.

Divide the actual cost per square foot spent on noise barriers by the estimated cost per

square foot used in noise analysis reports during the preceding two year period. The

resulting number is the cost adjustment factor.

Apply the cost adjustment factor to the current cost per benefited receptor criterion and

round to the nearest $500 to determine the new cost per benefited receptor.

Example: After reviewing ODOT Bid Tabulation data it is determined that the actual cost

per square foot spent on noise barriers over a two year period is $25.25. The actual cost per

square foot is compared to the estimated cost of $25 per square foot used in noise analysis

reports over the preceding two year period. Calculate the difference as follows:

25.25/25.00 = 1.01

Apply the cost adjustment factor to the cost per benefit receptor used for during the

preceding two year period:

35,000 * 1.01 = 35,350 35,000

The cost per benefited receptor for the next two year period is $35,000.

Use the growth formula (C2=C0(1+r)2 where C2=new cost, C0=current cost, r=annual rate

of growth) applied to the actual cost per square foot to determine the new estimated cost

per square foot for use in noise analysis reports over the next two year period rounded to

the closest half dollar.

Example: C2=25.25(1+.0115) 2 = 25.83 (round to 26.00)

The estimated cost per square foot used in noise reports is $26.00 for the next two years.

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It is possible to achieve a decrease in the cost per benefited receptor criterion since the

value is based on actual cost of noise abatement averaged over the preceding two year

period.

The maximum cost per benefited receptor is capped at the current FHWA maximum value

for cost per benefited receptor identified in the FHWA noise regulation and guidance.

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XIII. New Product Submissions

The department is committed to construction of high quality noise barrier systems and

encourages suppliers to submit new noise barrier designs. Interested parties should submit

product information packages to the ODOT Office of Environmental Services (OES). The

requirements of the submission can be found in ODOT’s Bridge Design Manual, Section

800. The OES is responsible for approval of the product for Acoustics and facilitates

approval of the product through the Aesthetics Committee, Office of Materials

Management and Office of Structural Engineering. All products must receive approval for

acoustic, aesthetic, and material properties prior to receiving structural approval. All

correspondence between the department and the manufacturer will be processed through

the OES. A minimum TL (Transmission Loss) of 22 dBA is required. For sound

absorptive barriers, a minimum NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 0.70 is required. A

minimum Sound Transmission class (STC) of 30 is required.

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XIV. Removal or Alteration of Proposed or Constructed Noise Barriers

A. The following guidance provides clarification on ODOT’s position regarding changes

to proposed or constructed noise barriers. The guidance addresses three different barrier

removal scenarios:

Scenario 1: Request to alter the proposed noise mitigation design occurs during project

public involvement

Scenario 2: Request to alter the proposed noise barrier design occurs after completion of

public involvement, but before project construction begins

Scenario 3: Request to alter or remove a noise barrier occurs after project construction

begins or after construction is complete.

B. Scenario 1 addresses cases where a business owner, developer or public official raises

concerns about a proposed noise barrier and the effect of the barrier on their property as

part of public involvement. In this scenario, it is recommended that ODOT explore ways

to address the concerns of the business/development while complying with the ODOT

Traffic Noise Manual. Possible methods to consider include:

1. Shortening the length of a proposed barrier while continuing to meet noise

reduction goals established in ODOT’s Highway Traffic Noise Manual.

The developer/business owner may perform a noise analysis at their expense to

determine the change in noise levels that will occur as a result of the removal

of the proposed barrier or portions thereof. The analysis must include all

changes proposed by the developer and may include structures such as buildings

for which a building permit has been issued that are proposed for future

construction. The analysis will comply with 23 CFR 772 and the FHWA and

ODOT noise manual and guidance documents. The developer will submit two

copies of the noise analysis to the ODOT District Environmental Section and

the Office of Environmental Services for review and approval. If the

developer/business owner wishes the portion of the proposed noise wall

adjacent to their property be transparent/clear, then they are required to pay the

difference between a transparent noise wall and a conventional noise wall.

C. Scenario 2 addresses cases where public involvement is completed, but the ODOT

project has not sold and a request is made to alter a proposed noise barrier design. The

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party with property covered by a proposed barrier may request replacement of some or all

opaque panels with clear panels. The difference in cost of the clear barriers minus the cost

of the opaque barriers will be at the expense of the business or developer. The cost

estimates for noise barriers provided in IV, G are for a typical concrete absorptive barrier.

The cost of clear barriers is typically two to three times the cost of a typical panel. Interested

developers/business owners should be informed early in the public involvement of the

added expense of clear panels and must be provided with cost estimates for the additional

cost.

As an alternative, the property owner may take the following steps to explore an alteration

of the proposed noise barrier design. This procedure applies prior to project construction

and after completion of public involvement.

1. If the developer/business owner is requesting exclusion of part of all of a

proposed noise barrier a new noise analysis is performed at the

developer/business owner’s expense by an ODOT pre-qualified noise

consultant to determine the change in noise levels that will occur as a result of

the desired change in the noise barrier design. The analysis will comply with

23 CFR 772, the FHWA and ODOT noise manual and guidance documents.

The developer will submit two copies of the noise analysis to the ODOT District

Environmental Section and the Office of Environmental Services for review

and approval.

2. The developer/business owner will obtain written concurrence from the

property owners and residents of the benefited receptors who participated in the

public involvement process stating that they have been notified of the change

in predicted noise levels at their receptor and that they agree with the proposed

change. Installation of the clear panels will occur during project construction

based on the contractor’s construction schedule. No work will be performed by

the business owner/developer.

D. Scenario 3 pertains to a developer/business owner inquiry that involves the landscaping

or visual improvement of a site that includes a noise barrier. The developer/business owner

has the option of replacing opaque, reflective noise barrier panels with ODOT approved

acrylic noise barrier panels that will allow the development to be seen from the roadway.

The replacement of the panels and removal of the original panels shall be done at the

developer/business owner’s expense.

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ODOT will consider requests for removal of all or part of a noise barrier at locations where

a change in land use has occurred at a location currently protected by a noise barrier and

the new development or redevelopment is not considered a noise sensitive land use in

accordance with 23 CFR 772. This applies to barriers that are constructed or are in projects

that are currently in construction. The request will conform to the following.

1. A new noise analysis must be performed at the developer/business owner’s

expense by an ODOT pre-qualified noise consultant to determine the change in

noise levels that will occur as a result of the removal of the barrier or portions

thereof with the new development in place. The analysis will comply with 23

CFR 772, the FHWA and ODOT noise manual and guidance documents. The

developer will submit two copies of the noise analysis to the ODOT District

Environmental Section and the Office of Environmental Services for review

and approval.

2. The developer/business owner will obtain written concurrence from the

benefited property owners left at the site stating that they have been notified of

the predicted change in noise expected at their receptor and that they agree with

the removal of the noise barrier or sections thereof.

3. Abandoned concrete posts and foundations must be excavated to 1 foot below

the ground elevation, backfilled with clean soil, and seeded.

4. A permit must be obtained from the appropriate ODOT District Office to

perform the above work in the ODOT right-of-way. The permit will establish

any additional provisions required to accommodate removal of other structures,

installation of guard rail and maintenance of traffic among other project specific

issues.

When construction is completed the developer/business owner will provide as-built drawings to

ODOT. The barrier will undergo inspection by the ODOT District Construction Management

Office and OES Noise Staff and deficiencies will be corrected at the developer/business owner’s

expense. Ownership of the barrier passes to ODOT when the completed barrier is approved by

the ODOT District Construction Management Office.

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ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual 2015

Authority

Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations Section 772

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 5517.05

The latest revision of the Federal Highway Administration Highway Traffic Noise Analysis

and Abatement Guidance

The Ohio Department of Transportation Policy 21-001 (P) Analysis and Abatement of

Highway Traffic Noise (October 22, 2001)

References

This ODOT noise manual is consistent with 23 CFR 772 and the latest revision of the FHWA

Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Guidance. Supplemental design information can

be found in the current ODOT “Location and Design Manual”, the current ODOT “Noise

Barrier Details”, the current ODOT “Bridge Design Manual”, the current ODOT Aesthetic

Design Guidelines, the current AASHTO Guide Specifications for Structural Design of Sound

Barriers” and the ODOT noise barrier plan insert sheets located at

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/oes/noise.htm.

Scope

All Districts, the Division of Production Management, Division of Contract Administration and

the Division of Highway Operations.

Training

The Manual should be incorporated in all Environmental training modules by the Office of

Environmental Services.

Fiscal Impact

The Office of Environmental Services is presently the program manager for the retrofit (Type II)

noise barrier program which is state funded. This fiscally balanced program is in effect through

FY 2015 and will be reevaluated at that time. Type I noise barriers are funded through the project

construction program using State and/or Federal funds.

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Appendix A – Flowchart for When a Noise Analysis is Needed

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Flowchart for When a Noise Analysis is Needed 11/23/2012

END

Project restripes existing pavement for an added thru lane or auxiliary

lane?

Project negatively

affects the shielding

of an existing

roadway?

Project adds or

substantially alters a

weigh station, rest stop,

rideshare lot, or toll

plaza?

Project causes a

major change in

vehicle mix?

YES

YES

YES

YES

Prepare

Noise

Analysis

YES

YES Project involves alteration of

an existing highway which significantly changes either

the horizontal (i.e. 50% closer to receptor) or vertical

alignment?

Project increases

the number of

through-traffic

lanes?

Project adds an

auxiliary lane?

START

Are there noise

sensitive areas

within ~ 500’ from

the project area?

Project involves the

construction of a

highway on new

location?

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

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Appendix B – Noise Analysis Process Flowchart

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NO

YES

YES

NO

Field review as

needed

Prepare Final Noise

Analysis or Noise

Barrier Design Table

Conduct Noise

Public

Involvement

Provide noise barrier

design table to the noise

wall designer and

proceed with geotechnical work

Submit Stage 1 noise

wall plans to OES

and District for

review, field review

as needed

Submit Stage 3 noise

wall plans to OES

and District for

review, field review

as needed

END

Submit Stage 2 noise

wall plans to OES

and District for

review, field review

as needed

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

Are NSAs within

approx 500’ of the

project area?

START

Is the proposed

project either a

Type 1 or Type II

project?

Prepare Preliminary Noise

Analysis on the feasible alts

or preferred alt

Are noise impacts

predicted in the

design year?

Are noise impacts

predicted from

construction of

the project?

Evaluate noise

abatement

alternatives

Estimate cost of

recommended noise

abatement

alternative

Is noise abatement

acoustically feasible,

conceptually feasible to

construct, cost

reasonable, and

acoustically reasonable?

END

Do 50% of the

benefited

receivers desire

the noise barrier?

Noise Analysis

Process Flowchart Nov 2011

Is vegetative

screening desired by

the benefitted

receivers? If so,

design and construct

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Appendix C – Noise Analysis Process Flowchart for FHWA Categories C, D, and E

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Noise Analysis Process Flow Chart for FHWA Categories C, D, and E Land Uses July 2011

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

Is insulation as

noise abatement

feasible?

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

Category C, D, or E land use

Is there a frequent human

exterior use?

Prepare exterior analysis

START

Land use considered

Category D?

Prepare interior analysis

Noise level approaches or

exceeds the FHWA NAC of 52 dBA?

END

Prepare noise insulation inspection checklist

Determine the allowable cost for insulation and equivalent

number of receptors

Evaluate noise abatement alternatives

Determine/compute equivalent number of

receptors

Noise level approaches or exceeds the

FHWA NAC of 67 dBA?

Is a noise barrier feasible and reasonable?

Prepare Final Noise Analysis

Does the land use desire the noise barrier?

Design and construct noise barrier

Does the land use desire a vegetative

screening?

Design and construct vegetative screening

END

Prepare agreement to furnish insulation and

include cost

Does the land use desire a vegetative

screening?

Design and construct vegetative screening

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Appendix D – Sample Noise Insulation Work Agreement

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Agreement between the

State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Transportation

and

___________________, Franklin County, Ohio

to Furnish Acoustic Insulation

Whereas, This agreement is entered into pursuant to 23 CFR 772.13.

Whereas, 23 CFR 772.13 was promulgated pursuant to 23 USC 109. 23 USC 302 authorizes the

Ohio Department of Transportation to administer the standards found at 23 USC 109(h) and its

implementing regulations on behalf of the United States Department of Transportation.

Whereas, the State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as

“ODOT”) has determined that traffic noise impacts are predicted to occur at the ____________

due to the County/Route/Section; PID______; project to _______________________________,

and

Whereas, the ______________ is a FHWA Activity Category D and is eligible for acoustic

insulation instead of noise mitigation by noise barrier as specified in 23 Code of Federal

Regulations Part 772.13(c)(6), and

Whereas, in general, the window and door openings are the weakest components in a structure’s

external façade allowing noise to infiltrate the building, and

Whereas, in 1999, the National Cooperative of Highway Research Programs (NCHRP) published

NCHRP Synthesis 218, Mitigation of Nighttime Construction Noise, Vibrations, and other

Nuisances, and the NCHRP study concluded that a treated window system capable of meeting a

Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 39 or greater could provide an incremental 10 decibel sound

reduction in a building, and

Whereas, a noise barrier constructed within the existing County/Route highway right-of-way

would reduce exterior traffic noise levels at the ____________, but a noise barrier has been found

not feasible and not reasonable, and

Whereas, any (description of work completed) would only reduce interior traffic noise levels and

the exterior traffic noise levels would be unchanged, and

Whereas, the acoustic insulation noise abatement measure will negate any future exterior traffic

noise abatement by ODOT at the _________________ as a result of the County/Route/Section;

PID______; project, now

Therefore, the ODOT and the _________________ agree as follows:

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1. ODOT agrees to fund the (description of work completed) at the __________________ to

fulfill the highway traffic noise mitigation requirements for the project, in part, as stated in

the approved environmental document in accordance with the following stipulations:

2. ODOT shall only expend funds for (description of work completed) along the sides of the

______________ building that are affected by _____________ traffic noise as identified on

Attachment 1 to this Agreement.

3. ODOT shall expend up to a maximum of $________, for (description of work completed)

performed at the ______________ building as depicted on Attachment 1.

4. The _______________ and their contractor are responsible for obtaining any required

building permits, licenses and meeting any other requirements to perform the work covered

under this agreement, including testing, sealing or removal and disposal of asbestos-

containing materials or other hazardous or toxic substances.

5. For properties on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, the

_________________________ shall abide by all applicable requirements of any

Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Advisory Council

on Historic Preservation and other signatories, pursuant to the National Historic

Preservation Act.

6. The door replacement system shall meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 39 or greater.

Acoustical drape shall meet a STC of 26 or greater.

7. The (description of work completed) shall be performed by the

______________________or under a contract with the __________________.

8. The ________________ shall select the company/contractor to supply and install the

(description of work completed), and other improvements under the same contract, if

desired, and thereby hold all warrantees and guarantees for the work, (description of work

completed) and associated materials.

9. The ________________ shall submit invoice(s) for reimbursement of the (description of

work completed) at the ____________ building, as stipulated in this Agreement, to ODOT

on a periodic basis during this contractual work, as determined appropriate by the

______________________, however not to exceed six (6) invoices.

10. ODOT shall reimburse __________________ for the door replacement/acoustical drape

installation invoice(s) received for the ________________ building as stipulated in this

Agreement.

11. A receipt for the door replacements/acoustical drape installation shall be submitted by the

______________________ to ODOT as documentation for completion of the

reimbursement transaction.

12. Within 15 working days upon receipt of the final window/door replacement invoice from

the ______________________, ODOT shall inspect the ________________ building to

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ensure that the acoustic insulation along the eligible sides of the _________________

building is complete prior to reimbursement of the final (description of work completed)

invoice to the ______________________ as stipulated in this Agreement.

13. No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved by ODOT is intended to be exclusive of any

other available remedy, but each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in

addition to every other remedy given under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at

law or in equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right or option accruing to ODOT

upon any default by the __________________ shall impair any such right or option or shall

be construed to be a waiver thereof, but any such right or option may be exercised from time

to time and as often as may be deemed expedient by ODOT.

14. ________________ has three months after the completion of the project to submit a final

invoice to ODOT. No invoices shall be accepted or paid by ODOT after the 3 month date.

15. In the event of any refund from the company/contractor for the window/door replacements,

__________________shall, in turn, refund to ODOT the money that has been paid by

ODOT.

16. It is expressly understood by the parties that none of the rights, duties, and obligations

described in this Agreement shall be binding on either party on and after __________, 20__,

until all statutory provisions under the Ohio Revised Code, including but not limited to

Section 126.07, have been complied with and until such time as all necessary funds are

made available and forthcoming from the General Assembly or, in the event that federal

funds are used, until such time that ODOT gives the _______________ written notice that

such funds have been made available to ODOT, by ODOT's funding source.

17. __________________, with the intention of binding itself and its successors in interest and

assigns, does hereby release, hold harmless from any liability, and forever discharge ODOT,

and their agents, servants, employees, and officers, personally and in any other capacity,

from all claims, actions, causes of actions, demands costs, loss of services, expenses and

any and all other damages which the undersigned ever had, now has, may have, or claim to

have, against ODOT, or their agents, servants, employees, or officers, on account of or in

any way arising out of the installation of the acoustic insulation and other matters related to

the noise from ____________ impacting __________________.

18. In the event a dispute arises regarding any payment terms and conditions contained in this

Agreement, notification of such dispute shall be sent to the contact for the Ohio Department

of Transportation and the contact for the _________________, in writing, within thirty (30)

days of discovery of such dispute. In such notification, the disputing party shall present such

evidence as may support its position. Within a reasonable time, the Director of

Transportation and a designated representative of the ________________ shall review the

facts and circumstances surrounding the dispute for the purpose of determination. Said

dispute shall be resolved within a reasonable period of time.

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19. This Agreement constitutes the entire and integrated agreement between the parties. Any

change to the provisions of this Agreement shall be made by written amendment executed

by all of the parties.

20. Neither this Agreement nor any rights, duties, or obligations described in it may be assigned

by a party without the prior express written consent of the other party.

21. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed by the parties or by any

third person to create the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership or joint

venture.

22. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted and the rights of the parties determined

under the laws of the State of Ohio.

23. Any person executing this Agreement in a representative capacity warrants that he or she

has been duly authorized by his or her party to execute this Agreement on such party's

behalf.

24. All notices, consents, and communications hereunder shall be given in writing, shall be

deemed to be given upon receipt thereof, and shall be sent to the addresses below:

For ________________: For ODOT:

Name: Name:

Title: District Environmental Coordinator:

Address: ODOT – District ___

City, State ZIP Code: Address:

Phone: City, State ZIP Code:

e-mail: Phone:

e-mail:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Agreement as of the last date

written below:

_______________ Ohio Department of Transportation

__________________________________ __________________________________

Name Date Date

Title: Director

Page 64: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix E – Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist

Page 65: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

ODOT Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist

Project: Date:

Property:

What is the building material (Stone, wood, brick, concrete, etc.)?

Building Description:

Windows

Does the building have exterior windows facing the roadway? Y N

If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

Are the windows in a noise sensitive location? Y N

If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

Windows are single, double or triple paned glass? (circle one)

Doors

Does the building have exterior doors facing the roadway? Y N

If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

Are exterior doors in a noise sensitive location? Y N

If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

The door has a solid - hollow core (circle one).

Air Conditioning

Does the building have central air conditioning? Y N

If no, proceed, if yes, stop this section

Can exterior windows facing the roadway open? Y N

If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

Are the windows in a noise sensitive location? Y N

Inventory

Room #

Description (class, patient room,

etc.)

#

Windows # Doors

NOTES:

Page 66: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix F – Noise Analysis Report Checklist

Page 67: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

ODOT Noise Analysis Report Prep/Review Checklist

NOTE: This checklist is intended to provide a detailed guide to the contents of a noise analysis

report and to help the reviewer ensure the report complies with 23CFR772 and ODOT’s

Standard Procedure for Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise. Simply completing

the checklist should not serve as a substitute for reading and understanding the noise analysis

report. While this checklist is comprehensive, each project is unique. The report may address

areas that are not in this checklist.

1. Table of Contents

2. Executive Summary

3. Introduction- Project description and overview of alternatives included

4. Project location map included

5. Noise Analysis Overview- Regulatory overview, objectives, FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria

(NAC), noise descriptors discussion included

6. All NSAs described/discussed

7. Project traffic data included/discussed (Existing and Design Year Build (DYB) ADT, truck %,

VPH- A/B/C vehicle volumes)

8. Noise Measurements discussion included- All noise reading locations must have a

corresponding address or specific location

9. 15- minute traffic counts for each conducted noise measurement included

10. Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, average wind, maximum wind, and wind

direction recorded for each noise measurement included

11. Noise modeling methodology discussion included

12. Impact Assessment- Noise impacts discussion by location of noise sensitive area (NSA)

included. Feasibility and reasonableness addressed for each NSA. Tables showing existing

level, DYB level, DYB with wall level, noise reduction for each modeled receptor are included.

Impacted and benefited receptors are highlighted.

13. Equivalent number of receptors computed for FHWA Category C land uses, if applicable

14. Noise Abatement Measures- Discussion of the evaluation of noise abatement alternatives

under 23CFR772.15c included

15. If it is required to model a noise barrier, a minimum of two noise barrier scenarios were

modeled and documented with the optimum barrier being recommended. Also, noise walls

were modeled on and off existing structures. It is typically necessary to model different wall

heights and wall locations.

16. If a noise wall is feasible and reasonable, a constructability discussion is included (i.e. Do

existing overhead or underground utilities pose a concern relative to constructability?).

17. Undeveloped lands- Noise impacts of undeveloped lands discussed. At a minimum, distance

to the exterior noise abatement criteria in 23CFR772 Table 1 provided.

18. Construction noise in accordance with 23 CFR 772.19 discussed

19. Conclusion and Recommendations included

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Appendices/Figures

a) Record of equipment used for noise measurements and calibration certificates

b) Certified traffic plates included, if available

c) PI notification letters for field work included

d) Noise measurement output data printouts and field sheets included

e) TNM input- traffic, receivers, roadways, barriers, building rows, terrain lines, etc included.

Depending on volume of data, info can be placed on a CD.

f) TNM output tables- TNM plan views, sound level results, noise barrier design (if applicable),

barrier segment descriptions included. Depending on volume of data, info can be placed on a

CD.

g) Aerial mapping in color showing all noise reading locations included

h) Project mapping- Report graphics illustrate feasible alts and/or preferred alt, modeled

receptors, impacted and non-impacted receptors, benefited receptors, modeled noise barriers

recommended and/or not recommended, Design Year Build noise level/Design Year Build

noise level with noise abatement on aerial mapping.

i) All TNM receivers shown on aerial mapping

j) Addresses of all benefited receptors (>5 dBA) (occupants and/or owners) for each noise wall

determined to be feasible and reasonable included

k) Project roadway plan sheets included, if available

l) CDROM includes TNM files (existing, validation, DYB), dxf import files, noise analysis report

in MS Word and appendices in PDF format included

m) Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) included (if applicable and scoped for)

Page 69: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix G – Flowchart for Noise Wall Placement in the Modeling Phase

Page 70: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Flowchart for Noise Wall Placement in the Modeling Phase January 2012

NO

NO

YES

NO NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

START

Noise Impact Identified in

Preliminary Noise

Analysis phase

Noise wall must be

modeled in Preliminary

Noise Analysis phase

Can the noise wall be placed at and along

the L/A ROW?

Feasible and Reasonable?

Can the noise wall be placed

outside the clear zone (30’

from EOP)?

Provide ODOT with Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan (NWPPP) for expedited

review and approval

STOP

Place/model noise

wall along the

shoulder

YES

Consider noise barrier material resistant to

deterioration from salt spray

Finalize Preliminary Noise Analysis and submit to ODOT for review and

approval

Feasible and Reasonable?

Feasible and Reasonable?

Page 71: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix H – Flowchart for Noise Analysis Public Involvement Process

Page 72: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Flowchart for Noise Analysis Public Involvement Process March 2012

Noise Analysis

Public

Involvement

Process

What does the

noise report

recommend?

Abatement not

Feasible and

Reasonable

Abatement is

Feasible and

Reasonable

Notify

public as

needed

Notify benefited

residents, local

officials and

property owners

Is noise

abatement

desired by the

benefited

residents?

Each neighborhood determines aesthetics of residential side of barrier

ODOT determines aesthetics of roadway side of barrier with input from local officials

Design the noise barriers and

prepare construction contract

drawings or prepare design

build package

CONSTRUCTION

END OF

PROCESS

NO

Design the vegetative screening

and prepare construction

contract drawings or prepare

design build package

Is a

vegetative

screening

desired by

the public?

YES NO

YES

Page 73: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix I – Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart

Page 74: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart January 2013

19

18

17

16

15

14 13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

START

A noise wall is determined to

be feasible and reasonable in

the analysis phase

If not yet completed,

consultant prepares Noise

Barrier Design Table or Final

Noise Analysis

District scopes consultant to

prepare noise PI materials and

conduct noise PI

Consultant initiates a

conference call with ODOT

to discuss noise PI strategy

Consultant submits noise

PI materials to ODOT for

review and approval

Consultant conducts noise

PI and resurveys as needed

Do 50% of the

benefited receptors

(owners &

occupants) desire

the noise barrier?

END

Consultant finalizes Noise

Public Involvement Summary

(NPIS) and submits to ODOT

for review and approval

District prepares post noise

PI letters and mails to the

benefited receptors

District scopes a design

consultant to prepare the

noise wall construction plans,

perform geotechnical work,

and associated activities

Consultant initiates a

conference call with ODOT to

discuss design expectations.

District provides Noise Wall

Construction Plan Preparation

Checklist to designer

District provides Noise

Barrier Design Table to the

noise wall designer

Consultant submits Stage 2

noise wall plans to OES

and District for review

Consultant submits Stage 3

noise wall plans to OES

and District for review

District holds noise wall

preconstruction meeting.

Invite CO staff as needed.

District prepares pre

construction noise PI

letters and mails to the

benefited receptors

District provides

“Unacceptable Noise Wall

images” PowerPoint to

project engineers and

inspectors for reference

during construction

YES

NO

District determines if a

vegetative screening is

desired by the benefited

receptors and feasible to

construct

Consultant submits Stage 1

noise wall plans to OES

and District for review

Page 75: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

A.

Appendix J – Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) Document Checklist

Page 76: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

B.

Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) Document Checklist Introduction

Noise barrier location descriptions

Noise PI methodology

Total number of possible votes

Voting results

Conclusions/recommendations

Project location mapping

Project mapping showing noise walls, benefited receptors, and addresses or reference to addresses

Benefited receptor addresses in excel spreadsheet format

Noise PI letter and comment/survey form

Project mapping showing voting results

Voting results in spreadsheet format (desire, color, texture)

Copies of returned comment/survey forms, emails, etc.

Page 77: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix K – Noise PI Standard Colors and Textures Templates

Page 78: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET

[project title]

Dear Resident:

The Ohio Department of Transportation is soliciting preferences of affected residents in regard to the potential construction of a new noise barrier in your area. The proposed noise barrier is to be located _______________ to your property. See attached mapping showing the noise wall locations.

Name: Signature: __________________________ Printed: _______________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________

E-mail address (optional) ______________________ Telephone # (optional) __________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

I support the barrier being built ________ I do NOT support the barrier being built ________ I don’t support the barrier, I support vegetative screening ________ I don’t support a barrier or vegetative screening ________ I have no opinion on a noise barrier or vegetative screening ________

Please circle a texture and color from the choices below. Vegetative screening in lieu of a barrier will NOT reduce noise. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

Beige

Gray

Concrete – Ashlar Stone Concrete - Drystack Concrete – Brick

Light Gray

Red (fiberglass

only)

Tan

Concrete - Fieldstone Fiberglass – (Horizontal

Groove) Vegetative Screening (will

NOT reduce noise)

Taupe

Additional Comments:

Page 79: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______

Page 80: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET

[project title]

Dear Resident:

The Ohio Department of Transportation is soliciting preferences of affected residents in regard to the potential construction of a new noise barrier in your area. The proposed noise barrier is to be located _______________ to your property. See attached mapping showing the noise wall locations.

Name: Signature: __________________________ Printed: _______________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________

E-mail address (optional) ______________________ Telephone # (optional) __________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

I support the barrier being built ________ I do NOT support the barrier being built ________ I don’t support the barrier, I support vegetative screening ________ I don’t support a barrier or vegetative screening ________ I have no opinion on a noise barrier or vegetative screening ________

Please circle a texture and color from the choices below. Vegetative screening in lieu of a barrier will NOT reduce noise. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

Beige

Gray

Concrete – Ashlar Stone Concrete - Drystack Concrete – Brick

Light Gray

Red (fiberglass

only)

Tan

Concrete - Fieldstone Fiberglass – (Horizontal

Groove) Vegetative Screening (will

NOT reduce noise)

Taupe

Additional Comments:

Page 81: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______

Page 82: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET

[project title]

Responses to this questionnaire will be used in the decision-making process to determine whether a noise barrier should be built and, if so, what it should look like. Name: Signature: _____________________________________________________ Printed: _______________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address (optional) ______________________________ Telephone # (optional) ________________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

A noise barrier SHOULD be built ________ A noise barrier SHOULD NOT be built ________ A noise barrier SHOULD NOT be built, vegetative screening should be installed ________ A noise barrier or vegetative screening SHOULD NOT be built ________ No Opinion on whether a noise barrier wall or vegetative screening should be built ________

Please indicate your first, second, and third preference from the available designs below. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier

Ashlar Texture – Grey Brick Texture Ashlar Texture – Tan

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier

Dry Stack Texture - Grey Dry Stack Texture - Beige Fieldstone Texture - Tan Color

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Fiberglass Noise Barrier Fiberglass Noise Barrier Vegetative Screening

Cocoa Color Tan Color (Will NOT Reduce Noise)

Additional Comments:

Page 83: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

B.

Appendix L – Flowchart for Type II Noise Wall Process

Page 84: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Flowchart for Type II Noise Wall Process December 2011

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

START

Community contacts

District about their

desires for a noise wall

Does the community

qualify as a Type II

community in

accordance with

23CFR772

(District/OES)?

Is the community

adjacent to a

future Type I

project (District)?

Does a noise wall

appears conceptually

feasible and reasonable

based on preliminary

information/modeling

as determined by OES?

District sends the Type II Noise Mitigation

application and petition forms to the requestor

and checks for Type II communities opposite

the freeway

OES Reviews and

approves the application

and petition forms from

the community

District (or OES as requested by District)

Prepares combined Preliminary/Final

Noise Analysis for the Type II community

Noise wall is confirmed

to be feasible and

reasonable to construct?

Inform Community

within 3 weeks

OES prioritizes the Type II Noise Wall project (bi-annual basis [March

& Sept] based on noise levels, cost/benefited receptor, and the FHWA

Highway Traffic Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guidance

OES advises the District

to program the project

and inform the

community of status

District (or OES as requested

by District) conducts public

involvement, as needed

District contracts required geotech work

and noise wall construction plan

preparation for OES and District review END

END- Inform

community

within 3 weeks

Page 85: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix M – Application for Type II Noise Barrier Mitigation

Page 86: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Ohio Department Of Transportation

Application for Type II Noise Mitigation What is the name of entity/community completing the application?

What is the location of the community? What is the freeway adjacent to area for which application is being made?

What side of the freeway is the community on?

(N S E W Both)

What is the Beginning Point of the area of application?

(Crossroads, etc.)

What is the Ending Point of the area of application?

What is the number of dwelling units in area of application within 100’, 100’-200’, and 200’-400’ feet of the

freeway?

What is the number of above dwelling units built prior to the freeway?

What is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed to the highway traffic

noise?

I certify all of the above information is correct.

______________________________________________________________________________

Signature and Title of Community Leader Date

______________________________________________________________________________

Print name and Title of Community Leader Date

Attach petition from residents of community desiring noise mitigation and mail to:

Ohio Department of Transportation

Attention: Office of Environmental Services, Policy Section, Noise Unit

1980 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43223

Page 87: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING

APPLICATION FOR TYPE II NOISE MITIGATION

What is the name of entity/community completing the application?

This is the name of the community that is making application for a noise mitigation project

What is the location of the community?

State the city and county the community is in.

What is the freeway adjacent to area for which application is being made?

This is the number designation for the limited access freeway(s) which is believed to be the source

of the noise. Type II mitigation is only available for limited access freeways.

What side of the freeway is the community on?

Please show the side of the freeway along which noise mitigation is proposed. This would be the

same side of the freeway as the residents who are seeking protection. If there are qualifying

residents on both sides of the freeway enter “Both”. Provide a map showing the location of the

community that is making the application.

What is the Beginning Point of the area of application?

This is a land mark, such as a cross road, marking the beginning point of the area to be protected

by the proposed mitigation.

What is the Ending Point of the area of application?

This is also a land mark, such as a cross road, marking the ending of the area to be protected by

the proposed mitigation.

What is the number of dwelling units in area of application within 100’, 100’-200’, and

200’-400’ feet of the freeway?

This is the number of dwelling units between the point of beginning and ending within 100’, 100’-

200’, 200’-400’ feet from the edge of the nearest thru travel lane. If an apartment building is in

this area, each apartment is to be considered as a separate dwelling unit.

What is the number of dwelling units built before the freeway:

This is the number of dwelling units within the area of application that were built or platted before

the date of public knowledge of the freeway, or the date of public knowledge of the last pre 1976

capacity improvement of the freeway.

What is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed

to the highway traffic noise:

This is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed to the

highway traffic noise.

Signature and Title of local official and Date:

This is the official who is certifying that all information is correct. Attach petition from residents

of community desiring noise mitigation (required) to the application.

Questions: Please contact the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Noise Unit at 614-466-5222.

Page 88: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Appendix N – Noise Wall Construction Plan Preparation-Review Checklist

Page 89: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Noise Wall Construction Plan Preparation/Review Checklist The bottom panel of a ground mounted noise wall is buried a minimum of 6”, in accordance with our

noise barrier specs. There is no gap between the bottom of wall and the finished ground surface. Barrier elevation sheets adhere to this requirement when giving bottom of wall elevation and finished ground elevation. Noise wall cross sections sheets and profile sheets adhere to this requirement as well.

2’ step downs for end of the wall transitions are used, per ODOT’s June 2011 Noise Standard Procedure.

When barriers must be placed behind existing guardrail, the proposed noise wall is placed as close to the guardrail as possible in order to maximize wall height and acoustic protection.

ODOT prefers not to have large strips of ROW between the noise wall and L/A that ODOT would have to maintain. Where possible, proposed noise walls are placed as close as possible to the L/A fenceline and the existing L/A fence removed. The need for a concrete parapet wall or guard rail in front of a proposed noise wall is eliminated, where possible, since this is a potentially significant added cost.

Smooth top of wall profile is created as much as possible. The "valleys" in the TOW profile that follow the existing topography are eliminated, where possible. Relative to the top of wall profile, changes in the top of wall elevation (from bay to bay) are limited to increments of 1’-0”.

Unnecessary tree clearing to construct a noise wall and, in general, for that matter, is avoided.

For aesthetic reasons, 8'-10' post spacings are placed at or near the ends of the wall where possible.

All Noise Wall Construction Plans (conventional or design build) are reviewed by District and OES staff and comments addressed.

Overhead and underground utilities are fully evaluated during plan preparation to ensure the wall can be constructed as designed and to avoid running into a utility issue during construction.

The noise wall is absorptive or reflective per ODOT’s Noise Standard Procedure.

The color and texture on either side of the noise wall are what was voted on by the public and local officials and/or decided by ODOT.

Post spacings are preferably 24’, where possible.

Noise walls on existing structures/bridges is discouraged by ODOT. It will be rare for ODOT to construct a noise wall on an existing bridge/structure, hence, if the design calls for a noise wall on an existing bridge/structure, this must confirmed with ODOT to be required.

The noise wall limits match the Final Noise Analysis. Noise wall heights equal or exceed the acoustic profile.

Any roadway vertical or horizontal changes that occur after the approval of a noise analysis report are critical changes and could significantly affect the noise wall design. These changes are brought to the attention of the ODOT project manager immediately because the noise analysis would need to be redone and the noise wall redesigned.

Page 90: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Flowchart for When a Noise Analysis is Needed 11/23/2012

START

Are there noise sensitive areas within

~ 500’ from the project area?

Prepare Noise

Analysis

END

Project involves the construction of a highway on new

location?

Project involves alteration of an existing highway which

significantly changes either the horizontal (i.e. 50% closer to

receptor) or vertical alignment?

Project increases the number of through-traffic

lanes?

Project adds an auxiliary lane?

Project restripes existing pavement for an added thru lane or

auxiliary lane?

Project negatively affects the shielding

of an existing roadway?

Project adds or substantially alters a

weigh station, rest stop, rideshare lot, or toll

plaza?

Project causes a major change in

vehicle mix?

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

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Noise Analysis Process Flowchart March 2014

Is vegetative scrng constructible and

desired by the benefitted receivers? If so, design and construct

NO

YES

YES

NO

Field review as needed

Submit noise analysis for approval. If not yet

completed, prepare Noise Barrier Design Table

(NBDT)

Conduct Noise Public

Involvement

Provide noise barrier design table to the noise

wall designer and proceed with geotechnical work

Submit Stage 1 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review, field review as needed

Submit Stage 3 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review, field review as needed

END

Submit Stage 2 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review, field review as needed

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

Are NSAs within approx 500’ of the

project area?

START

Is the proposed project either a Type 1 or Type II project?

Prepare Noise Analysis on the feasible alts or preferred alt.

Submit NMP for approval.

Are noise impacts predicted in the

design year?

Are noise impacts predicted from

construction of the project?

Evaluate noise abatement alternatives

Estimate cost of recommended noise

abatement alternative. Submit NWPPP for

approval.

Is noise abatement acoustically feasible,

conceptually feasible to construct, cost

reasonable, and acoustically reasonable?

END

Do 50% of the benefited receivers

desire the noise barrier? Submit NPIS

for approval.

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February 2014

YES

NO

NO

YES

Is insulation as noise abatement

feasible?

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

Category C, D, or E land use

Is there a frequent human exterior

use?

Prepare exterior analysis

START

Land use considered

Category D?

Prepare interior analysis

Noise level approaches or

exceeds the FHWA NAC of 52 dBA?

END

Prepare noise insulation inspection checklist

Determine the allowable cost for insulation and equivalent

number of receptors

Prepare agreement to furnish insulation and

include cost

Evaluate noise abatement alternatives

Determine/compute equivalent number of

receptors

Noise level approaches or exceeds the

FHWA NAC of 67 dBA?

Is a noise barrier feasible

and reasonable?

Prepare Noise Barrier Design Table

Does the land use desire the noise barrier?

Design and construct noise barrier

If feas to construct, does the land use

desire a veg scrng?

Design and construct vegetative screening

END

Does the land use desire a vegetative

screening?

Design and construct vegetative screening

Noise Analysis Process Flow Chart for FHWA Categories C, D, and E Land Uses

Page 93: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Agreement between the State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Transportation

and ___________________, Franklin County, Ohio

to Furnish Acoustic Insulation

Whereas, This agreement is entered into pursuant to 23 CFR 772.13.

Whereas, 23 CFR 772.13 was promulgated pursuant to 23 USC 109. 23 USC 302 authorizes the Ohio Department of Transportation to administer the standards found at 23 USC 109(h) and its implementing regulations on behalf of the United States Department of Transportation.

Whereas, the State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as “ODOT”) has determined that traffic noise impacts are predicted to occur at the ____________ due to the County/Route/Section; PID______; project to _______________________________, and

Whereas, the ______________ is a FHWA Activity Category D and is eligible for acoustic insulation instead of noise mitigation by noise barrier as specified in 23 Code of Federal Regulations Part 772.13(c)(6), and

Whereas, in general, the window and door openings are the weakest components in a structure’s external façade allowing noise to infiltrate the building, and

Whereas, in 1999, the National Cooperative of Highway Research Programs (NCHRP) published NCHRP Synthesis 218, Mitigation of Nighttime Construction Noise, Vibrations, and other Nuisances, and the NCHRP study concluded that a treated window system capable of meeting a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 39 or greater could provide an incremental 10 decibel sound reduction in a building, and

Whereas, a noise barrier constructed within the existing County/Route highway right-of-way would reduce exterior traffic noise levels at the ____________, but a noise barrier has been found not feasible and not reasonable, and

Whereas, any (description of work completed) would only reduce interior traffic noise levels and the exterior traffic noise levels would be unchanged, and

Whereas, the acoustic insulation noise abatement measure will negate any future exterior traffic noise abatement by ODOT at the _________________ as a result of the County/Route/Section; PID______; project, now

Therefore, the ODOT and the _________________ agree as follows:

Page 94: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

1. ODOT agrees to fund the (description of work completed) at the __________________ to fulfill the highway traffic noise mitigation requirements for the project, in part, as stated in the approved environmental document in accordance with the following stipulations:

2. ODOT shall only expend funds for (description of work completed) along the sides of the ______________ building that are affected by _____________ traffic noise as identified on Attachment 1 to this Agreement.

3. ODOT shall expend up to a maximum of $________, for (description of work completed) performed at the ______________ building as depicted on Attachment 1.

4. The _______________ and their contractor are responsible for obtaining any required building permits, licenses and meeting any other requirements to perform the work covered under this agreement, including testing, sealing or removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous or toxic substances.

5. For properties on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, the _________________________ shall abide by all applicable requirements of any Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and other signatories, pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act.

6. The door replacement system shall meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 39 or greater. Acoustical drape shall meet a STC of 26 or greater.

7. The (description of work completed) shall be performed by the ______________________or under a contract with the __________________.

8. The ________________ shall select the company/contractor to supply and install the (description of work completed), and other improvements under the same contract, if desired, and thereby hold all warrantees and guarantees for the work, (description of work completed) and associated materials.

9. The ________________ shall submit invoice(s) for reimbursement of the (description of work completed) at the ____________ building, as stipulated in this Agreement, to ODOT on a periodic basis during this contractual work, as determined appropriate by the ______________________, however not to exceed six (6) invoices.

10. ODOT shall reimburse __________________ for the door replacement/acoustical drape installation invoice(s) received for the ________________ building as stipulated in this Agreement.

11. A receipt for the door replacements/acoustical drape installation shall be submitted by the ______________________ to ODOT as documentation for completion of the reimbursement transaction.

12. Within 15 working days upon receipt of the final window/door replacement invoice from the ______________________, ODOT shall inspect the ________________ building to

Page 95: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

ensure that the acoustic insulation along the eligible sides of the _________________ building is complete prior to reimbursement of the final (description of work completed) invoice to the ______________________ as stipulated in this Agreement.

13. No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved by ODOT is intended to be exclusive of any other available remedy, but each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. No delay or omission to exercise any right or option accruing to ODOT upon any default by the __________________ shall impair any such right or option or shall be construed to be a waiver thereof, but any such right or option may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient by ODOT.

14. ________________ has three months after the completion of the project to submit a final invoice to ODOT. No invoices shall be accepted or paid by ODOT after the 3 month date.

15. In the event of any refund from the company/contractor for the window/door replacements, __________________shall, in turn, refund to ODOT the money that has been paid by ODOT.

16. It is expressly understood by the parties that none of the rights, duties, and obligations described in this Agreement shall be binding on either party on and after __________, 20__, until all statutory provisions under the Ohio Revised Code, including but not limited to Section 126.07, have been complied with and until such time as all necessary funds are made available and forthcoming from the General Assembly or, in the event that federal funds are used, until such time that ODOT gives the _______________ written notice that such funds have been made available to ODOT, by ODOT's funding source.

17. __________________, with the intention of binding itself and its successors in interest and assigns, does hereby release, hold harmless from any liability, and forever discharge ODOT, and their agents, servants, employees, and officers, personally and in any other capacity, from all claims, actions, causes of actions, demands costs, loss of services, expenses and any and all other damages which the undersigned ever had, now has, may have, or claim to have, against ODOT, or their agents, servants, employees, or officers, on account of or in any way arising out of the installation of the acoustic insulation and other matters related to the noise from ____________ impacting __________________.

18. In the event a dispute arises regarding any payment terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, notification of such dispute shall be sent to the contact for the Ohio Department of Transportation and the contact for the _________________, in writing, within thirty (30) days of discovery of such dispute. In such notification, the disputing party shall present such evidence as may support its position. Within a reasonable time, the Director of Transportation and a designated representative of the ________________ shall review the facts and circumstances surrounding the dispute for the purpose of determination. Said dispute shall be resolved within a reasonable period of time.

Page 96: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

19. This Agreement constitutes the entire and integrated agreement between the parties. Any change to the provisions of this Agreement shall be made by written amendment executed by all of the parties.

20. Neither this Agreement nor any rights, duties, or obligations described in it may be assigned by a party without the prior express written consent of the other party.

21. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed by the parties or by any third person to create the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership or joint venture.

22. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted and the rights of the parties determined under the laws of the State of Ohio.

23. Any person executing this Agreement in a representative capacity warrants that he or she has been duly authorized by his or her party to execute this Agreement on such party's behalf.

24. All notices, consents, and communications hereunder shall be given in writing, shall be deemed to be given upon receipt thereof, and shall be sent to the addresses below:

For ________________: For ODOT:

Name: Name: Title: District Environmental Coordinator: Address: ODOT – District ___ City, State ZIP Code: Address: Phone: City, State ZIP Code: e-mail: Phone:

e-mail:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Agreement as of the last date written below:

_______________ Ohio Department of Transportation

__________________________________ __________________________________ Name Date Date Title: Director

Page 97: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

ODOT Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist Project: Date: Property: What is the building material (Stone, wood, brick, concrete, etc.)? Building Description:

Windows

Does the building have exterior windows facing the roadway? Y N If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section Are the windows in a noise sensitive location? Y N If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section Windows are single, double or triple paned glass? (circle one)

Doors

Does the building have exterior doors facing the roadway? Y N If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section Are exterior doors in a noise sensitive location? Y N If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

The door has a solid - hollow core (circle one).

Air Conditioning

Does the building have central air conditioning? Y N If no, proceed, if yes, stop this section Can exterior windows facing the roadway open? Y N If yes, proceed, if no, stop this section

Are the windows in a noise sensitive location? Y N

Inventory

Room # Description (class, patient room, etc.)

# Windows # Doors

NOTES:

Page 98: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

DECEMBER 2016

ODOT NOISE ANALYSIS REPORT PREPARATION/REVIEW CHECKLIST

NOTE: THIS CHECKLIST IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE A DETAILED GUIDE TO THE CONTENTS OF A NOISE ANALYSIS REPORT AND TO HELP THE

REVIEWER ENSURE THE REPORT COMPLIES WITH 23CFR772 AND ODOT’S 2013 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS MANUAL. WHILE THIS CHECKLIST IS

COMPREHENSIVE, EACH PROJECT IS UNIQUE. THE NOISE REPORT MAY ADDRESS AREAS THAT ARE NOT IN THIS CHECKLIST.

1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3. INTRODUCTION- PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE INCLUDED 4. NOISE ANALYSIS OVERVIEW- REGULATORY OVERVIEW, OBJECTIVES, FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA (NAC), NOISE

DESCRIPTORS DISCUSSION INCLUDED 5. ALL NSAS SHOWN/DESCRIBED/DISCUSSED 6. PROJECT TRAFFIC DATA INCLUDED/DISCUSSED (EXISTING AND DESIGN YEAR BUILD (DYB) ADT, TRUCK %, VPH- A/B/C VEHICLE

VOLUMES USED IN THE MODEL 7. NOISE MEASUREMENTS DISCUSSION AND MAPPING INCLUDED- ALL NOISE READING LOCATIONS MUST HAVE A

CORRESPONDING ADDRESS OR SPECIFIC LOCATION 8. 15- MINUTE TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR EACH CONDUCTED NOISE MEASUREMENT INCLUDED. ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS SUCH AS

TEMPERATURE, AVERAGE WIND, MAXIMUM WIND, AND WIND DIRECTION RECORDED FOR EACH NOISE MEASUREMENT INCLUDED. THE LEQ FOR EVERY MINUTE OF THE DURATION OF EACH MEASUREMENT MUST BE DOCUMENTED. IN ADDITION,

PROVIDE THE ELEVATION OF THE MEASUREMENT, ELEVATION OF THE ADJACENT ROADWAY, DISTANCE OF THE

MEASUREMENT FROM THE EDGE PF PAVEMENT (EOP), SPEED LIMIT, AND FUNCTIONAL CLASS OF THE ROADWAY.

9. NOISE MODELING METHODOLOGY DISCUSSION INCLUDED. DISCUSS VALIDATION, EXISTING, DYB) 10. IMPACT ASSESSMENT- NOISE IMPACTS DISCUSSION BY LOCATION OF NOISE SENSITIVE AREA (NSA) INCLUDED. FEASIBILITY

AND REASONABLENESS ADDRESSED FOR EACH NSA. TABLES AND GRAPHICS SHOWING EXISTING LEVEL, DYB LEVEL, DYB WITH WALL LEVEL, NOISE REDUCTION FOR EACH MODELED RECEPTOR ARE INCLUDED. IMPACTED AND BENEFITED RECEPTORS ARE HIGHLIGHTED.

11. RELATIVE TO SHOWING NOISE LEVELS, INCREASES, AND REDUCTIONS IN THE REPORT, SHOW ONE DECIMAL POINT. FOR CATEGORY B AND C RECEPTORS, 65.5 DBA IS AN IMPACT. 65.4 IS NOT AN IMPACT. A REDUCTION OF 4.5 DBA IS CONSIDERED A BENEFIT.

12. EQUIVALENT NUMBER OF RECEPTORS COMPUTED FOR FHWA CATEGORY C LAND USES, IF APPLICABLE (I.E. PARKS, SCHOOLS,

CHURCHES, ETC)

13. NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES- DISCUSSION OF THE EVALUATION OF NOISE ABATEMENT ALTERNATIVES UNDER 23CFR772.15C INCLUDED

14. IF IT IS REQUIRED TO MODEL A NOISE BARRIER, A MINIMUM OF TWO NOISE BARRIER SCENARIOS WERE MODELED AND DOCUMENTED (BASED ON HTS, PLACEMENTS, AND/OR LENGTHS) WITH THE OPTIMUM BARRIER BEING RECOMMENDED. ODOT’S

OPTIMUM BARRIER MEETS THE MINIMUM ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS OR IS SLIGHTLY BETTER. IT IS TYPICALLY NECESSARY TO MODEL DIFFERENT WALL HEIGHTS AND WALL LOCATIONS. ALSO, NOISE WALLS WERE MODELED ON AND OFF EXISTING STRUCTURES. MUST CONSULT WITH OES PER THE NOISE WALL PRELIM PLACEMENT PLAN (NWPPP) PROCESS

15. IF A NOISE WALL IS FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE, INCLUDE A CONSTRUCTABILITY DISCUSSION (I.E. ARE THERE ISSUES WITH

EXISTING OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND UTILITIES, TOWER LIGHTING, SIGNAGE, LANDFILLS, FLOODPLAINS, UTILITY

MARKERS, VALVE BOX, MANHOLE, HYDRANT, EXPOSED CONDUIT, ETC?).

16. IF A NOISE WALL IS DETERMINED TO BE FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE, PROVIDE LOCATION, PLACEMENT (L/A, SHOULDER, ETC) AVG HEIGHT, LENGTH, EST COST, SF, # OF BENEFITED RECEPTORS, COST PER BENEFITED RECEPTOR, # OF IMPACTED RECEPTORS, # OF IMPACTED AND BENEFITED RECEPTORS. INCLUDE A SUMMARY TABLE SHOWING ALL MODELED WALLS AND AN ADDED SUMMARY TABLE OF ONLY THE NOISE WALLS BEING RECOMMENDED IN THE CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS.

17. UNDEVELOPED LANDS- NOISE IMPACTS OF UNDEVELOPED LANDS DISCUSSED. AT A MINIMUM, DISTANCE TO THE EXTERIOR NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA IN 23CFR772 TABLE 1 PROVIDED.

18. CONSTRUCTION NOISE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 23 CFR 772.19 DISCUSSED 19. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED. PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF NOISE ABATEMENT FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE

AND RECOMMENDED FOR NOISE PI (LENGTH, HT, PLACEMENT, SF, COST, # BEN REC, CPBC, ETC)

APPENDICES/FIGURES/GRAPHICS

a) RECORD OF EQUIPMENT USED FOR NOISE MEASUREMENTS AND CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES b) CERTIFIED TRAFFIC PLATES INCLUDED, IF AVAILABLE c) PI NOTIFICATION LETTERS FOR FIELD WORK INCLUDED d) NOISE MEASUREMENT OUTPUT DATA PRINTOUTS AND FIELD SHEETS INCLUDED e) TNM INPUT- TRAFFIC, RECEIVERS, ROADWAYS, BARRIERS, BUILDING ROWS, TERRAIN LINES, ETC INCLUDED. DEPENDING ON

VOLUME OF DATA, INFO CAN BE PLACED ON A CD. f) TNM OUTPUT TABLES FOR VALIDATION, EXISTING, DYB- TNM PLAN VIEWS, SOUND LEVEL RESULTS, NOISE BARRIER DESIGN (IF

APPLICABLE), BARRIER SEGMENT DESCRIPTIONS INCLUDED. DEPENDING ON VOLUME OF DATA, INFO CAN BE PLACED ON A CD. g) AERIAL MAPPING IN COLOR SHOWING PROJECT LOCATION AND ALL NOISE READING LOCATIONS INCLUDED h) REPORT GRAPHICS ILLUSTRATE THE PREFERRED ALT, MODELED, IMPACTED, BENEFITED, IMPACTED AND BENEFITED,

IMPACTED AND NOT BENEFITED, BENEFITED AND NOT IMPACTED RECEPTORS, MODELED NOISE BARRIERS RECOMMENDED

AND/OR NOT RECOMMENDED, TAKES, DESIGN YEAR BUILD NOISE LEVEL/DESIGN YEAR BUILD NOISE LEVEL WITH NOISE

REDUCTION, HEIGHT AND LENGTH OF WALL, NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATION, WALL LOCATION AT ROW OR EOS.

i) ALL TNM RECEIVERS SHOWN ON AERIAL MAPPING j) ADDRESSES OF ALL BENEFITED RECEPTORS (5 DBA OR GREATER) (OCCUPANTS AND/OR OWNERS) FOR EACH FEASIBLE AND

REASONABLE NOISE WALL ARE INCLUDED. ADDRESSES ARE LINKED TO NSA ID OR WALL ID. FIELD VERIFY ADDRESSES OF THE

BENEFITED RECEPTORS

k) PROJECT ROADWAY PLAN SHEETS INCLUDED, IF AVAILABLE l) CDROM INCLUDES TNM FILES (EXISTING, VALIDATION, DYB), DXF IMPORT FILES, NOISE ANALYSIS REPORT IN MS WORD AND

APPENDICES IN PDF FORMAT INCLUDED m) NOISE BARRIER DESIGN TABLE (NBDT) INCLUDED (IF APPLICABLE AND SCOPED)

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February 2014

NO

NO

YES

NO NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

START

Noise Impact Identified in Noise Analysis phase

Noise wall must be modeled in Noise Analysis phase

Can the noise wall be placed at and along

the L/A ROW?

Feasible and Reasonable?

Can the noise wall be placed outside the clear zone (30’

from EOP)?

Feasible and Reasonable?

Feasible and Reasonable?

Provide ODOT with Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan

(NWPPP) for expedited review and approval

STOP

Place/model noise wall along the

shoulder

YES

Consider noise barrier material resistant to deterioration from

salt spray

Flowchart for Noise Wall Placement in the Modeling Phase

Finalize Noise Analysis and submit to ODOT for review and

approval

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December 2016

Noise Public

Involvement Process

What does

the noise

report

recommend?

Abatement not

Feasible and

Reasonable

Abatement is

Feasible and

Reasonable

Notify public

if/as needed

If significant time has elapsed between

the analysis and prior to noise PI,

reevaluate the benefited receptor as

needed. Survey benefited receptors for

desire & aesthetics; notify local officials.

Is noise abatement

desired by the

benefited residents?

Notify the benefited receptors

noise wall(s) is/are moving forward

If significant time has elapsed between

noise PI and prior to design, reevaluate the

benefited receptors as needed. Design the

noise barriers and include in construction

contract plans

CONSTRUCTION

END OF

PROCESS

NO

Design the vegetative screening and

include in construction contract

plans

Is a vegetative

screening

desired by the

public?

YES NO

YES

Notify/update the benefited

receptors of the status

Page 101: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart February 2014

19

18

17

16

15

14 13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

START

A noise wall is determined to be feasible and reasonable in

the analysis phase

If not yet completed, consultant prepares Noise Barrier Design

Table

District scopes consultant to prepare noise PI materials

and conduct noise PI

Consultant initiates a conference call with ODOT to

discuss noise PI strategy

Consultant submits noise PI materials to ODOT for review

and approval

Consultant conducts noise PI and resurveys as needed

Do 50% of the benefited receptors

(owners & occupants) desire the noise

barrier?

END

Consultant finalizes Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) and submits to ODOT

for review and approval

District prepares post noise PI letters and mails to the benefited receptors (BMP)

District scopes a design consultant to prepare the

noise wall construction plans, perform geotechnical work,

and associated activities

Consultant initiates a conference call with ODOT to discuss design expectations. District provides Noise Wall

Construction Plan Preparation Checklist to

designer

District provides Noise Barrier Design Table to the

noise wall designer

Consultant submits Stage 2 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review

Consultant submits Stage 3 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review

District holds noise wall preconstruction meeting. Invite CO staff as needed.

District prepares pre construction noise PI letters and mails to the benefited

receptors (BMP)

District provides “Unacceptable Noise Wall

images” PowerPoint to project engineers and

inspectors for reference during construction

YES

NO

District determines if a vegetative screening is

feasible to construct, then, desired by the benefited

receptors

Consultant submits Stage 1 noise wall plans to OES and

District for review

District provides OES the following info: contractor, supplier, unit cost, panel production and erection

schedule

20

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August 9, 2016 Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) Document Checklist

1. Introduction

2. Noise barrier location descriptions

3. Noise PI methodology (field verifying benefited receptors from the analysis, mail survey, resurvey, canvassing, recanvassing, and/or open house meeting, follow-up summary letters to the benefited receptors, etc)

4. Total number of possible votes

5. Voting results

6. Conclusions/recommendations

7. Project location mapping

8. Project aerial mapping and graphics showing the preferred alternative,

proposed noise walls, benefited receptors, and addresses or reference to addresses, voting results (in favor of wall, not in favor, no opinion, no response), total takes, distinction between owner occupied units and rentals.

9. Benefited receptor addresses in excel spreadsheet format

10. Noise PI letter and comment/survey form

11. Voting results in spreadsheet format (desire, color, texture)

12. Copies of returned comment/survey forms, emails, etc.

Page 103: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET [project title]

Dear Resident:

The Ohio Department of Transportation is soliciting preferences of affected residents in regard to the potential construction of a new noise barrier in your area. The proposed noise barrier is to be located _______________ to your property. See attached mapping showing the noise wall locations.

Name: Signature: __________________________ Printed: _______________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________

E-mail address (optional) ______________________ Telephone # (optional) __________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

I support the barrier being built ________ I do NOT support the barrier being built ________ I don’t support the barrier, I support vegetative screening ________ I don’t support a barrier or vegetative screening ________ I have no opinion on a noise barrier or vegetative screening ________

Please circle a texture and color from the choices below. Vegetative screening in lieu of a barrier will NOT reduce noise. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

Beige

Gray

Concrete – Ashlar Stone Concrete - Drystack Concrete – Brick

Light Gray

Red (fiberglass

only)

Tan

Concrete - Fieldstone Fiberglass – (Horizontal Groove)

Vegetatie Sreeeieg ((ill NOT reduce noise)

Taupe

Additional ioomonts

Page 104: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______

Page 105: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET [project title]

Dear Resident:

The Ohio Department of Transportation is soliciting preferences of affected residents in regard to the potential construction of a new noise barrier in your area. The proposed noise barrier is to be located _______________ to your property. See attached mapping showing the noise wall locations.

Name: Signature: __________________________ Printed: _______________________________

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________

E-mail address (optional) ______________________ Telephone # (optional) __________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

I support the barrier being built ________ I do NOT support the barrier being built ________ I don’t support the barrier, I support vegetative screening ________ I don’t support a barrier or vegetative screening ________ I have no opinion on a noise barrier or vegetative screening ________

Please circle a texture and color from the choices below. Vegetative screening in lieu of a barrier will NOT reduce noise. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

Beige

Gray

Concrete – Ashlar Stone Concrete - Drystack Concrete – Brick

Light Gray

Red (fiberglass

only)

Tan

Concrete - Fieldstone Fiberglass – (Horizontal Groove)

Vegetatie Sreeeieg ((ill NOT reduce noise)

Taupe

Additional ioomonts

Page 106: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______

Page 107: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

NOISE BARRIER COMMENT SHEET [project title]

Responses to this questionnaire will be used in the decision-making process to determine whether a noise barrier should be built and, if so, what it should look like. Name: Signature: _____________________________________________________ Printed: _______________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address (optional) ______________________________ Telephone # (optional) ________________________

Please return the completed questionnaire by mail to the address on the reverse side. The deadline for comment is [date].

If we do not receive a response from you by the deadline, we will count that as having no opinion regarding construction of the noise barrier. A low response rate from the community is considered to demonstrate a lack of interest in getting a noise barrier and may result in no noise mitigation for this location.

A noise barrier SHOULD be built ________ A noise barrier SHOULD NOT be built ________ A noise barrier SHOULD NOT be built, vegetative screening should be installed ________ A noise barrier or vegetative screening SHOULD NOT be built ________ No Opinion on whether a noise barrier wall or vegetative screening should be built ________

Please indicate your first, second, and third preference from the available designs below. If you indicated that you do not desire a noise barrier or do not have an opinion, you may still vote on the design in case the overall results indicate a desire for the noise barrier to be built.

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier

Ashlar Texture – Grey Brick Texture Ashlar Texture – Tan

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier Concrete Noise Barrier

Dry Stack Texture - Grey Dry Stack Texture - Beige Fieldstone Texture - Tan Color

1

1

1

2 2 2

3 3 3

Fiberglass Noise Barrier Fiberglass Noise Barrier Vegetative Screening

Cocoa Color Tan Color (Will NOT Reduce Noise)

Additional Comments:

Page 108: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______

Page 109: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

June 2015

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

START

Community contacts

District about their

desires for a noise wall

Does the community

qualify as a Type II

community in

accordance with

23CFR772

(District/OES)?

Is the community

adjacent to a future

Type I project

(District)?

Does a noise wall

appears conceptually

feasible and reasonable

based on preliminary

information/modeling as

determined by OES?

District sends the Type II Noise Mitigation

application and petition forms to the requestor

and checks for Type II communities opposite the

freeway

OES Reviews and approves the

application and petition forms

from the community. District

notifies local officials.

District (or OES as requested by District)

Prepares combined Noise Analysis/Noise

Barrier Design Table for the Type II

community

Noise wall is confirmed

to be feasible and

reasonable to construct

Inform Community

within 3 weeks

OES prioritizes the Type II Noise Wall project (bi-annual basis [March & Sept]

based on noise levels, cost/benefited receptor, and the FHWA Highway Traffic

Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guidance

OES advises the District

to program the project

and inform the

community of status

District (or OES as requested by

District) conducts public

involvement, as needed

District contracts required geotech work and

noise wall construction plan preparation for

OES and District review END

END- Inform

community within 3

weeks

Flowchart for

ODOT’s Type II Noise Wall Process

Page 110: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Ohio Department Of Transportation

Application and Petition for Type II Noise Mitigation What is the name of entity/community completing the application?

What is the location of the community? What is the freeway adjacent to area for which application is being made?

What side of the freeway is the community on? (N S E W Both)

What is the Beginning Point of the area of application? (Crossroads, etc.)

What is the Ending Point of the area of application?

What is the number of dwelling units in area of application within 100’, 100’-200’, and 200’-400’ feet of the freeway?

What is the number of above dwelling units built prior to the freeway?

What is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed to the highway traffic noise?

I certify all of the above information is correct.

______________________________________________________________________________ Signature and Title of Community Leader Date

______________________________________________________________________________ Print name and Title of Community Leader Date

Attach petition from residents of community desiring noise mitigation and mail to:

Ohio Department of Transportation Attention: Office of Environmental Services, Policy Section, Noise Unit 1980 West Broad Street Columbus, OH 43223

Page 111: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FOR TYPE II NOISE MITIGATION What is the name of entity/community completing the application? This is the name of the community that is making application for a noise mitigation project What is the location of the community? State the city and county the community is in. What is the freeway adjacent to area for which application is being made? This is the number designation for the limited access freeway(s) which is believed to be the source of the noise. Type II mitigation is only available for limited access freeways. What side of the freeway is the community on? Please show the side of the freeway along which noise mitigation is proposed. This would be the same side of the freeway as the residents who are seeking protection. If there are qualifying residents on both sides of the freeway enter “Both”. Provide a map showing the location of the community that is making the application. What is the Beginning Point of the area of application? This is a land mark, such as a cross road, marking the beginning point of the area to be protected by the proposed mitigation. What is the Ending Point of the area of application? This is also a land mark, such as a cross road, marking the ending of the area to be protected by the proposed mitigation. What is the number of dwelling units in area of application within 100’, 100’-200’, and 200’-400’ feet of the freeway? This is the number of dwelling units between the point of beginning and ending within 100’, 100’-200’, 200’-400’ feet from the edge of the nearest thru travel lane. If an apartment building is in this area, each apartment is to be considered as a separate dwelling unit. What is the number of dwelling units built before the freeway: This is the number of dwelling units within the area of application that were built or platted before the date of public knowledge of the freeway, or the date of public knowledge of the last pre 1976 capacity improvement of the freeway. What is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed to the highway traffic noise: This is the number of years the area/community making the application has been exposed to the highway traffic noise. Signature and Title of local official and Date: This is the official who is certifying that all information is correct. Attach petition from residents of community desiring noise mitigation (required) to the application. Questions: Please contact the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Noise Unit at 614-466-5222.

Page 112: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway. The residents at ______________________________________________________________________are petitioning the Ohio Department of Transportation to erect a noise wall along ______________________________ adjacent to our community.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 113: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 114: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 115: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 116: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 117: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

Petition to Construct a Noise Wall

The goal of ODOT’s Type II or retrofit noise barrier program is to provide abatement for communities/homes that were in existence prior to the construction of the roadway.

Print Name Signature Property Address Mailing Address Phone Number (optional)

Page 118: NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE...NOISE ANALYSIS PHASE 1. Rail projects may require a noise analysis. Examples of rail projects that may require a noise analysis are a new rail line, rail spur

November 2013

Noise Wall Construction Plan Preparation/Review Checklist

� The bottom panel of a ground mounted noise wall is buried a minimum of 6”, in accordance with our noise barrier specs. Maximum buried depth of the bottom panel is preferably 1’-1.5’ if the ground is flat. There is no gap between the bottom of wall and the finished ground surface. Barrier elevation sheets adhere to this requirement when giving bottom of wall elevation and finished ground elevation. Noise wall cross sections sheets and profile sheets adhere to this requirement as well.

� 4’ step downs for end of the wall transitions are used. When a noise wall approaches an overpass or structure, ODOT prefers no transition.

� When barriers must be placed behind existing guardrail, the proposed noise wall is placed as close to the guardrail as possible in order to maximize wall height and acoustic protection. Utilize a guardrail system that allows for minimum deflection.

� ODOT prefers not to have large strips of ROW between the noise wall and L/A that ODOT would have to maintain. Where

possible, proposed noise walls are placed as close as possible to the L/A fenceline and the existing L/A fence removed. The need for a concrete parapet wall or guard rail in front of a proposed noise wall is eliminated, where possible, since this is a potentially significant added cost.

� ODOT strongly desires a smooth top of wall profile for aesthetic purposes. It is acceptable for the noise wall construction plan preparer to raise the wall height of certain bays by 1’ or 2’ to achieve this goal. In some cases, it may be acceptable for the noise wall construction plan preparer to lower the wall height slightly below the acoustical profile of certain bays by 1’ or 2’ to achieve this goal. Consultation with OES should occur in these cases to ensure that noise reductions are not substantially negatively affected.

� The "valleys" in the TOW profile that follow the existing topography are eliminated, where possible, in order to create a

smooth top of wall profile as much as possible. Relative to the top of wall profile, changes in the top of wall elevation (from bay to bay) are limited to increments of 1’-0”.

� In addition to the showing the bottom and top of wall profiles and acoustic profile, show the roadway profile. If the proposed noise wall is along a ramp, show the ramp and mainline profiles.

� Unnecessary tree clearing to construct a noise wall and, in general, for that matter, is avoided.

� For aesthetic reasons, 8'-10' post spacings are placed at or near the ends of the wall where possible.

� All Noise Wall Construction Plans (conventional or design build) are reviewed by District and OES staff and comments addressed.

� Overhead and underground utilities are fully evaluated during plan preparation to ensure the wall can be constructed as designed and to avoid running into a utility issue during construction.

� The noise wall is stated as absorptive or reflective per ODOT’s 2013 Traffic Noise Manual.

� The color and texture on either side of the noise wall are what was voted on by the public and local officials and/or decided

by ODOT.

� Post spacings are preferably 24’, where possible.

� New noise walls on existing structures/bridges is discouraged by ODOT. It will be rare for ODOT to construct a noise wall on an existing bridge/structure, hence, if the design calls for a noise wall on an existing bridge/structure, this must confirmed with ODOT to be required.

� The noise wall limits and dimensions match the Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT). Noise wall heights equal or exceed the

acoustic profile.

� Any roadway vertical or horizontal changes that occur after the approval of a noise analysis report are critical changes and could significantly affect the noise wall design. These changes are brought to the attention of the ODOT project manager immediately because the noise analysis would need to be redone and the noise wall redesigned.


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