Highway Traffic Noise Rules, Policy, and Technical Advisories

Rules

Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise, Final Rule published in the Federal Register August 11, 1997

Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. Published in the Federal Register March 26, 2002

Policy and Technical Advisories

General

• Highway Traffic Noise in the United States: Problem and Response HTML or PDF (71 KB) - Publication Year: 2000
  Abstract: This paper discusses the three-part approach to dealing with the problem of highway traffic noise in the United States. The first part, noise-compatible land use planning, is traditionally an area of local responsibility. The other two parts, source control of vehicle noise emissions and highway project noise mitigation are the joint responsibility of private industry and of Federal, State, and local governments. The paper also contains FHWA's noise regulations and is intended for the general public, elected officials, and anyone interested in learning about highway traffic noise requirements.

• The following file is in Adobe Portable Document Format, "PDF." Download Adobe Reader here.
  Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement: Policy and Guidance (849 KB PDF) - Publication Year: 1995 - Distribution Memorandum - June 12, 1995
  Abstract: This paper provides FHWA policies and guidance for the analysis and abatement of highway traffic noise. It discusses:

  1. noise legislation,
  2. noise fundamentals,
  3. the FHWA noise regulations,
  4. the requirements of traffic noise analysis and documentation,
  5. traffic noise abatement, including reasonableness and feasibility,
  6. appropriate levels of traffic noise analysis, and
  7. traffic noise analyses for highway lane addition projects.

  It is intended for highway traffic noise analysts.

• Highway Traffic Noise--Type I Projects - October 20, 1998

Prediction

• Release and Phase-In of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model Version 2.5 - April 14, 2004

• TNM Look-Up Tables (Distribution Memorandum - October 14, 1998)
  Abstract: The TNM Look-Up Tables have been developed to provide highway traffic noise analysts with a screening tool to be used in simple applications of the FHWA TNM. The tables provide a reference of pre-calculated FHWA TNM results for simple highway geometries. These tables should be useful to all individuals involved with the analysis of highway traffic noise.

Measurement

• Measurement of Highway-Related Noise
  Abstract: This report replaced a previous report titled "Sound Procedures for Measuring Highway Noise: Final Report," dated August 1981. The report incorporates improvements and changes in noise measurement technologies that have occurred over time and documents recommended procedures for the measurement of the following: (1) existing noise; (2) vehicle noise emissions; (3) noise barrier insertion loss; (4) construction equipment noise; (5) noise reduction due to buildings; and (6) occupational noise exposure. The report should be useful to all individuals involved with measurement activities related to highway traffic noise.
  Publication Year: 1996 - Distribution Memorandum - Date: January 2, 1997

• Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Vehicle Emission Levels - May 6, 1999

Construction Noise

• Technical Advisory: Analysis of Highway Construction Noise - March 13, 1984

• Special Report: Highway Construction Noise: Measurement, Prediction and Mitigation (FHWA Bulletin - May 2, 1977)
  This manual is designed for use by highway oriented groups and individuals in coping with construction noise during the various stages of project development.