NCDOT SEEKING COMMENTS ON REVISING
TRAFFIC NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its Traffic Noise Abatement Policy. This policy identifies NCDOT’s commitment to providing noise reduction measures in accordance with federal and state regulations and procedures.
NCDOT strives to provide appropriate traffic noise measurements and noise reduction options such as sound walls, earthen mounds or trees whenever the public is adversely affected by highway noise. NCDOT is looking for public comments on the existing policy and potential changes for future policy. Comments will be received from May 24 to June 25. NCDOT anticipates the policy revisions to be put in effect by early 2011.
The Federal Highway Administration delegates responsibility for performance of traffic noise studies to each state’s transportation agencies on all federally-funded transportation projects. The FHWA reviews each state’s policy to make sure it meets federal traffic noise reduction standards.
There are two types of noise reduction projects. Type I projects include construction of new highways or widening of existing roads. Type II projects provide noise reduction measures on existing highways.
The Department constructs noise barriers for Type I projects when they meet policy requirements. NCDOT does not construct noise barriers for Type II projects, and does not have a Type II policy because of funding restrictions. It is the responsibility of local governments or developers to secure funding for Type II noise reduction projects.
Noise studies performed by NCDOT provide the noise data used to determine whether noise-sensitive areas comply with policy provisions.
To submit a comment, go to the NCDOT Contact Us website:
https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/ContactUS/PostComment.aspx?Unit=Abatement
Citizens can also mail comments to:
NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
All comments will be considered during the revision process.
The complete NCDOT policy is available at www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/pe/ohe/noiseair/abatement.html. The federal regulations are available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/fapg/cfr0772.htm.
The FHWA noise website (www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/index.htm) is an excellent site for more information on traffic noise and abatement.
***NCDOT***
Jerry Higgins
Communications Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27699
(919) 716-5707
