What does the Noise group at WSDOT do?
As we are all aware, traffic creates noise. Following federal and state regulations, we evaluate WSDOT projects to determine if noise levels will impact nearby residents. If abatement is warranted, we work with the project design office and affected residents to develop effective noise abatement, usually noise walls.
When WSDOT or our contractors must work at night, the acoustics group obtains noise variances from local jurisdictions and supports construction staff as needed in complying with mitigation requirements in noise variances.
The noise group also monitors pile driving for underwater noise effects on wildlife. For information how to address underwater noise effects in biological assessments, refer to the BA Noise Assessment Guidance and the Underwater Noise Monitoring Plan template (doc 100 kb).
In addition, we are researching quieter pavement.
For more background information on noise, check out our noise FAQ.
What information is needed to perform a noise study or obtain a noise variance?
If your project requires a noise study or requires nighttime work, please submit a completed Task Request Form to Jim Laughlin. The task request form also outlines the data need to perform these tasks.
Temporary noise shields are sometimes used to reduce construction noise; standard Temporary Noise Shield Plans (pdf 228 kb) are frequently included in contracts requiring night work.
What regulations and policies apply to traffic noise?
At the federal level traffic noise is regulated under 43 CFR 772. The Washington state Noise Policy and Procedures - 2006 (pdf 234 kb) goes into more detail and incorporates state specific regulations. FHWA Traffic Noise website also has information on traffic noise, regulations, and modeling.
Additional information on what is required in a noise study is available in the WSDOT Environmental Procedures Manual, Chapter 446 (pdf 648 KB)
The complete Environmental Procedures Manual is also available online.
What about transit and rail noise?
There is more to our transportation systems than just the roads. Railroad cars and transit vehicles also create noise. Similar to road projects, these rail and transit projects undergo evaluation to determine if there will be noise impacts. Federal Transit Administration and Federal Rail Administration each have their own guidelines for noise evaluations.