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ENV125Basics of Noise and Policy
Date
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Agenda
Introduction and Overview
– Traffic Noise Toolkit
Fundamentals of Noise
Traffic Noise Analysis Process
– Regulations and Guidance
• The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis
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Traffic Noise Toolkit
All current noise guidance and
information in one place!
http://www.txdot.gov/inside-
txdot/division/environmental/co
mpliance-toolkits/traffic-
noise.html
2011 TxDOT Noise Guidelines
Federal Rule: 23 CFR 772
Traffic Noise Handbook
Document Template Text
Letters to Local Officials Template
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Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy
TxDOT’s Guidelines for
the Analysis and
Abatement of Roadway
Traffic Noise (2011)
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Sound/Noise
Noise Analyses
Sound/Noise
O
V
E
R
V
I
E
W
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Highway Traffic Sound
Source Receiver< Propagation Medium >
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Decibel
A-weighting
Equivalent Level
Decibel
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Rock Band
Pneumatic Hammer
Food Blender
Downtown
Vacuum Cleaner
Air Conditioning Unit
Dishwasher
Library
6,324,555
2,000,000
632,456
200,000
63,246
20,000
6,325
2,000
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
PRESSUREmicro PascalsSOURCES
LEVELdecibels
L 10log (P )
(P ) 10log
(P )
(P )
D
D (St)
2
ref
2
o
2
ref
2
o
2
2 2
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SOURCES
Rock Band
Pneumatic Hammer
Food Blender
Downtown
Vacuum Cleaner
Air Conditioning Unit
Dishwasher
Library
LEVELdecibels
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
x2
120
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A-weighting
Decibel
A-weighting
Equivalent Level
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6,3001,0007 8 9 >
4 5 6 <
1 2 3 /
DIS PRO OUT SEC
ENT NEX CLR SFT
0 + - %
SOUND ANALYZER
MIKEE-LECTRONICS
65707585757065
-weighting
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Decibel
Equivalent Level
A-weighting
Equivalent Level
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L = 10log 1T
10 L10
eq 10t
t=1
N
time
sound level
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SOUND LEVEL
-1 dBA Not perceptible
-3 dBA Barely perceptible
-5 dBA Readily perceptible
Change LoudnessSubjective
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O
V
E
R
V
I
E
W
Sound/Noise
Noise AnalysesNoise Analyses
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Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy
TxDOT guidelines
conform to federal rule
(regardless of funding)
–23 CFR 772
TxDOT’s Guidelines for
the Analysis and
Abatement of Roadway
Traffic Noise (2011)
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Determine if a Type I project
The construction of a highway on new location; or,
The physical alteration of an existing highway where there is either:
– Substantial Horizontal Alteration
– Substantial Vertical Alteration
The addition of a through-traffic lane(s)
The addition of an auxiliary lane, except for when the auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or,
The addition or relocation of interchange lanes or ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or,
Restriping existing pavement for the purpose of adding a through-traffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or,
The addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share facility, or toll plaza.
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TRAFFIC DATA!!!!
First thing to do when you know you have a Type I analysis
GET TRAFFIC DATA!!!!
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TrafficInformation
Existing
Predicted
Speed Limits
Collect Data
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TRAFFIC DATA!!!!
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Receiver< Propagation Medium >Source
- Future -- 20 years
- Existing Traffic
Traffic Data
- Future Traffic
- Worse-Case
- Full Speed
- Predicted dBA
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Traffic Data Request
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When requesting Traffic Data use
TPP Form 2124
Make sure to check Box 1 (Basic
Highway Traffic Data), 2 (Vehicle
Classification for Environmental
Studies), 3 (Line Diagram Analysis)
ALL TRAFFIC MUST BE FROM TPP
OR APPROVED BY TPP
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Traffic Data
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Traffic Data: Line Diagram with Turning Movements
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Light Duty Vehicles
Medium Duty Vehicles
Heavy Duty Vehicles
% of ADT % of DHV
91.0 92.8
6.0 4.2
3.0 3.0
% of ADT % of DHV
97.0 98.3
2.0 1.7
1.0 0.0
Frontage Roads
and
Streets
Mainlanes
K-factor: 10.5%
31800
21700
3600
1600
4700
3000
33900
2260031800
21700
35200
23500
6200
4100
1300
900
1000
500
1000
500
3400
1500800
400
800
4004900
3200
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT) VOLUMES
SH 123
DHV = ADT (x) K-factor
65SPEED
LIMIT
40SPEED
LIMIT
LEGEND
1000 - 2015 ADT
1000 - 2035 ADT
Projects that involve more than
mainlanes and frontage roads typically
with require a depiction of turning
movements - - from TPP.
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Determine Need for Traffic Noise
Analysis of a Highway Project
- New Location, or
- Substantial Realignment, or
- Addition of Through-Traffic Lane
Analysis not
required
Traffic
Information
Design
Information
Measure/Model
Noise Levels
Existing Levels Predicted Levels
Predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
Predicted levels approach,
equal, or exceed the NACOR
Consider/Evaluate
Abatement Measures
Traffic
Management
Alteration of
Alignment
Acquisition of
Buffer Zone
Construction of
Noise Barriers
Insulation of
Public Buildings
Construction
Noise
Information for
Local Officials
NOYES
IF
IF
NO
YES
Determine Impact
Additional
Topics
Collect Data
Abatement not
required
Project
Reevaluation
Collect DataDesign
Information
Roadways
Receivers
Site Characteristics
Source of Sound
Receiver of Sound
Propagation Path
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Roadway Design and Site Characteristics
Electronic CAD files with Roadway Design
– Striping
– Edge of Pavement
– Any other relevant design information
Adjacent Topography if available
– Other sources would be GIS, Google Earth, Surveys
ELEVATIONS ARE CRITICAL TO BARRIER DESIGN
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to:
– Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project
alternative.
– Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts.
– Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures.
– Communicate the results to the public and local officials.
Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
Identify adjacent land uses
for noise sensitive areas
(residences, schools,
churches, parks, etc)
INCLUDES PERMITTED
DEVELOPMENT
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Noise Receiver Selection Criteria
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model
(TNM) is used to model all
impacts
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Table 6: NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA
Activity
Category
FHWA
(dB(A)
Leq)
TxDOT
(dB(A)
Leq)
Description of Land Use Activity Areas
A 57
(exterior)
56
(exterior)
Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extra-
ordinary 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
(exterior)
66
(exterior)
Residential
C 67
(exterior)
66
(exterior)
Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums,
campgrounds, cemeteries, day care centers,
hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic
areas, places of worship, playgrounds, public
meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional
structures, radio studios, recording studios,
recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools ,
television studios, trails, and trail crossings
D 52
(interior)
51
(interior)
Auditoriums, day care 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)
71
(exterior)
Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other
developed lands, properties, or activities not included
in A-D or F.
F -- -- Agricultural, 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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Determine Need for Traffic Noise
Analysis of a Highway Project
- New Location, or
- Substantial Realignment, or
- Addition of Through-Traffic Lane
Analysis not
required
Traffic
Information
Design
Information
Measure/Model
Noise Levels
Existing Levels Predicted Levels
Predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
Predicted levels approach,
equal, or exceed the NACOR
Consider/Evaluate
Abatement Measures
Traffic
Management
Alteration of
Alignment
Acquisition of
Buffer Zone
Construction of
Noise Barriers
Insulation of
Public Buildings
Construction
Noise
Information for
Local Officials
NOYES
IF
IF
NO
YES
Determine Impact
Additional
Topics
Collect Data
Abatement not
required
Project
Reevaluation
Determine Impact
Predicted levels approach,
equal, or exceed the NAC
ABSOLUTE CRITERION
Predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
RELATIVE CRITERION
OR
IF
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Table 6: NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA
Activity
Category
FHWA
(dB(A)
Leq)
TxDOT
(dB(A)
Leq)
Description of Land Use Activity Areas
A 57
(exterior)
56
(exterior)
Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extra-
ordinary 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
(exterior)
66
(exterior)
Residential
C 67
(exterior)
66
(exterior)
Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums,
campgrounds, cemeteries, day care centers,
hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic
areas, places of worship, playgrounds, public
meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional
structures, radio studios, recording studios,
recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools ,
television studios, trails, and trail crossings
D 52
(interior)
51
(interior)
Auditoriums, day care 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)
71
(exterior)
Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other
developed lands, properties, or activities not included
in A-D or F.
F -- -- Agricultural, 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.
I M PA C T ?ABSOLUTE CRITERIONRELATIVE
OR, if predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
“approach, equal or exceed”
FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria
” ……1 dBA below
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Determine Need for Traffic Noise
Analysis of a Highway Project
- New Location, or
- Substantial Realignment, or
- Addition of Through-Traffic Lane
Analysis not
required
Traffic
Information
Design
Information
Measure/Model
Noise Levels
Existing Levels Predicted Levels
Predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
Predicted levels approach,
equal, or exceed the NACOR
Consider/Evaluate
Abatement Measures
Traffic
Management
Alteration of
Alignment
Acquisition of
Buffer Zone
Construction of
Noise Barriers
Insulation of
Public Buildings
Construction
Noise
Information for
Local Officials
NOYES
IF
IF
NO
YES
Determine Impact
Additional
Topics
Collect Data
Abatement not
required
Project
Reevaluation
Determine
Noise Levels
Existing Levels Predicted Levels
Measured by
Sound Meter
Modeled by
Computer
ORModeled
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to:
– Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project
alternative.
– Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts.
– Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures.
– Communicate the results to the public and local officials.
Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement
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Noise Barrier
Source Receiver- Propagation Path -
Noise Abatement
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
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Determine Need for Traffic Noise
Analysis of a Highway Project
- New Location, or
- Substantial Realignment, or
- Addition of Through-Traffic Lane
Analysis not
required
Traffic
Information
Design
Information
Measure/Model
Noise Levels
Existing Levels Predicted Levels
Predicted levels exceed
existing by more than 10 dBA
Predicted levels approach,
equal, or exceed the NACOR
Consider/Evaluate
Abatement Measures
Traffic
Management
Alteration of
Alignment
Acquisition of
Buffer Zone
Construction of
Noise Barriers
Insulation of
Public Buildings
Construction
Noise
Information for
Local Officials
NOYES
IF
IF
NO
YES
Determine Impact
Additional
Topics
Collect Data
Abatement not
required
Project
Reevaluation
ReasonableAND
Propose
Abatement
Evaluate
Abatement Measures
Feasible
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Feasible
effectivereductionin noise-?
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Feasible
-?-5 (or more)
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Feasible
-?-5 (or more)
Reasonable
Cost-effectiveness
Criterion
Cost for each
Benefited Receiver
$25,000(or less)
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Reasonable
$25,000(or less)
-?(or more)
AND
Feasible
-5
-4 -4-5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
For Example
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-?-5 (or more)
Feasible
(or less)
Reasonable
AND
Total Cost$120,000
-4 -4-5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
6= $20,000
Cost for each
Benefited Receiver
Total Cost
#Benefited=
$25,000
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to:
– Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project
alternative.
– Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts.
– Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures.
– Communicate the results to the public and local officials.
Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
Noise Barrier
AKA Sound Walls
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
Why not pavement or vegetation?
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15 feet
Vegetation
100 feet = perceptible
reduction
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Vegetation
- dense enough that it cannot be seen through
- coverage: floor to canopy
- evergreen
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- dense enough that it cannot be seen through
- coverage: floor to canopy
- evergreen
Vegetation
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Vegetation
“... provides only psychological benefits”
“... may be provided for visual, privacy or
aesthetic treatment”
“... not a noise abatement measure”
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Pavement
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PRIORITIESNOISESAFETYDURABILITY
*FHWA:“should never be jeopardized”
**
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FHWA Concern ….. can “quiet”
pavement continue to effectively
reduce noise levels over the life
of the pavement?
FHWA
Traffic Noise
Policy
“The use of specific pavement
types or surface textures must
not be considered as a noise
abatement measure.”
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FHWA Concern ….. can “quiet”
pavement continue to effectively
reduce noise levels over the life
of the pavement?
FHWA
Traffic Noise
Policy
“The use of specific pavement
types or surface textures must
not be considered as a noise
abatement measure.”
“Additional research is needed to
determine to what extent different
types of pavements contribute to
traffic noise.”
research
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A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process
The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to:
– Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project
alternative.
– Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts.
– Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures.
– Communicate the results to the public and local officials.
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Documentation Templates
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pu
b/txdot-
info/env/toolkit/730-01-
ds.pdf
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Noise Workshop
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??????????????????????? SOUND WALL ??????????????????????
Consent of a Majority of Adjacent Property Owners
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Noise Workshop
Purpose: to provide sufficient information to owners of property adjacent to
a proposed noise barrier(s) that will allow these owners to make an informed
vote for or against the proposed noise barrier(s).
Timing: after the public hearing has occurred
INFORMAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME IN THE
PROJECT’S DEVELOPMENT.
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Noise Workshop: Sample Ballot
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NOISE BARRIER BALLOT SH 286 EXPANSION and SH 358 INTERCHANGE PROJECT
NOISE WORKSHOP, May 23, 2000
In conjunction with the SH 286 expansion and SH 358 interchange project, the Texas Department of Transportation proposes to construct a noise barrier within the right-of-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive. However, the proposed noise barrier cannot be constructed without the approval, by majority vote, of adjacent property owners. 1. Do you own property adjacent to the right-of-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar
Road and Mansheim Drive? YES ______ NO ______
2. FULL NAME (please print)
ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. _____________________________
3. Are you for or against the construction of the proposed noise barrier within the right-of-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive? Only one vote is allowed for each property.
FOR _____ AGAINST _____ This vote is final.
4. Comments (use reverse if necessary):
SIGNATURE (required) __________________________________ DATE
The ballot must be completed and signed by the property owner of record.
If possible, please bring your completed and signed ballot to the Noise Workshop.
If you are not able to attend the Noise Workshop, please send your completed and signed ballot (must be postmarked no later than ……………) to: Texas Department of Transportation, Attention: …………..P.O. Box 9907, Corpus Christi, TX, 78469-9907.
1) Adjacent property owners will be notified of the results of the vote for or against the proposed noise barrier after all ballots have been received and counted.
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Noise Workshop: Mailing
Mailing preferably by prestamped/preaddressed return envelope
include a description of the noise barrier and the noise effects with and
without the barrier.
Include a description of the decision making process that TxDOT will follow to
assess the survey/ballot results and make a decision on whether to build the
barrier.
Include an invitation to the meeting with the location and time
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Letters to Local Officials
Used to inform local officials regarding the department’s responsibilities
regarding noise abatement for new development once an environmental
decision has been made.
Required for all projects adjacent to undeveloped lands
Cannot occur before document has been signed
Minimal notification:
– Urban area is the Mayor’s Office
– Rural or suburban area, the County Judge’s Office.
Template letter found in Traffic Noise Toolkit
Notice of Availability Template found in Public Involvement Toolkit
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ECOS Documentation
Noise Workshop Summary
– Documentation of the completed traffic noise workshops shall include:
• a summary of the materials presented
• comments from the public and associated responses, and
• the results of the ballots for each proposed barrier.
Noise Analysis Technical Reports
Super 2 correspondence
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ECOS Documentation – TNM model
TNM model
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Future Guidance (NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 2018)
NOT FHWA APPROVED YET!
2017 TxDOT Guidelines for the Abatement of Roadway Traffic Noise
New costs
– Barriers averaging $34-$37 per square foot
– Current guidelines provide 1,388 square feet per benefiting receiver
• Will this number go up?
Feasible
– The minimum number of receivers that must benefit will go up
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Noise Workshop
Questions???
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