April 2015
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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.
April 2015
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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
ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual 2015
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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.
ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual 2015
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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
ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual 2015
XIV-2 | P a g e
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.
ODOT Highway Traffic Noise Analysis Manual 2015
XIV-3 | P a g e
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.
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.
Appendix A – Flowchart for When a Noise Analysis is Needed
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
Appendix B – Noise Analysis Process Flowchart
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
Appendix C – Noise Analysis Process Flowchart for FHWA Categories C, D, and E
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
Appendix D – Sample Noise Insulation Work Agreement
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:
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
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.
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
Appendix E – Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist
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:
Appendix F – Noise Analysis Report Checklist
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
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)
Appendix G – Flowchart for Noise Wall Placement in the Modeling Phase
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?
Appendix H – Flowchart for Noise Analysis Public Involvement Process
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
Appendix I – Post-Noise Analysis Process Flowchart
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
A.
Appendix J – Noise Public Involvement Summary (NPIS) Document Checklist
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.
Appendix K – Noise PI Standard Colors and Textures Templates
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:
_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______
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:
_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______
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:
B.
Appendix L – Flowchart for Type II Noise Wall Process
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
Appendix M – Application for Type II Noise Barrier Mitigation
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
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.
Appendix N – Noise Wall Construction Plan Preparation-Review Checklist
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.
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
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.
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
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:
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
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.
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
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:
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)
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
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
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
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.
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
_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______
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
_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______
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:
_____, District Environmental Coordinator ODOT District __ ________ ________, Ohio ______
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
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
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.