Page 9 "It's Time for a Change in Federal Policy" Freeway/Road Noise

"It's Time for a Change in Federal Policy"
Freeway/Road Noise
By Donna J. Carlson, Editor

It's time for a change in the
Federal policy concerning freeway noise. The current
FHWA policy, which
is being challenged
by a number of
states, is deficient
as it does not take
the entire "affected" population into
consideration. It is not a noise policy, it is
all about soundwalls and those who live
or work on the other side of them.
   There is no consideration for the motoring public. Freeway drivers are bombarded with noise levels far in excess of the national noise standard of 67 dBA. In fact, the use of soundwalls can actually create acoustical amplifi-cation on freeways, roads and major arterial streets. Experiencing my own dis-comforts in traveling on noisy, crowded concrete pavements, I have to wonder what this din is doing to the stress level of other motorists. Could it be a factor in the rising road rage incidents?
   As our urban freeway system, mostly
concrete pavements, ages and additional
freeways are built to keep pace with growing population, the noise problems will worsen unless a new policy is adopted to address all sources of freeway noise. This policy must address the noise for the motorists as well as adjacent residents.    In response to a letter our association sent to the FHWA petitioning for a policy waiver for states or other agencies to allow the use of federal funds for Asphalt-Rubber surfaces over concrete for noise reduction, we received a disappointing response.
   After assurance that the FHWA had studied alternatives to noise barriers, such as pavement modifications including the use of asphalt surfacing and longitudinal grooves for noise mitigation, the letter stated:
   "Because of this growing interest, we have reviewed the issue extensively, explored experience in Europe, and considered issuing guidance to establish eligibility for Federal Aid Highway funding. To date however, we have not done so." "The use of Federal aid funds for any noise abatement can be justified on if the noise abatement feature results in substantial reduction (i.e. 5 dBAs or greater) and is permanent. Therefore, the use of pavement type and texture as noise abatement or mitigation measure can be justified only after it has been conclusively demonstrated that the pavement produces a substantial noise reduction for an extended period for the residents adjacent to highways(emphasis added) and is safe and durable."
   From the statement above it is clear the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, as it currently stands, primarily only computes the height of soundwalls. There are other solutions and we cannot wait to address them. The comfort and safety of the motoring public that builds and maintains freeway systems with their gasoline taxes, must be considered. As Arizona, California and Texas are demonstrating, there is a solution in the form of a pavement surfacing with Asphalt-Rubber, which utilizes crumb rubber from discarded tires to provide a smoother and quieter ride.
   What needs to be done? It is obvious the FHWA does not sense the urgency of the issue and will not revisit their policy unless there is a high level directive. For this reason, we are requesting that the U.S. Department of Transportation/FHWA create a cabinet level Task Force to explore the solution mentioned above and after a national review, make changes to the existing federal policy so Federal Aid funds can be used
to address the Full range of noise mitigation measures.

"It's Time for a Change in Federal Policy"
Freeway/Road Noise
By Donna J. Carlson, Editor
It's time for a change in the Federal policy concerning freeway noise. The current FHWA policy, which is being challenged by a number of states, is deficient as it does not take the entire "affected" population into consideration. It is not a noise policy, it is all about soundwalls and those who live or work on the other side of them. There is no consideration for the motoring public. Freeway drivers are bombarded with noise levels far in excess of the national noise standard of 67 dBA. In fact, the use of soundwalls can actually create acoustical amplifi-cation on freeways, roads and major arterial streets. Experiencing my own dis-comforts in traveling on noisy, crowded concrete pavements, I have to wonder what this din is doing to the stress level of other motorists. Could it be a factor in the rising road rage incidents? As our urban freeway system, mostly concrete pavements, ages and additional freeways are built to keep pace with growing population, the noise problems will worsen unless a new policy is adopted to address all sources of freeway noise. This policy must address the noise for the motorists as well as adjacent residents.	In response to a letter our association sent to the FHWA petitioning for a policy waiver for states or other agencies to allow the use of federal funds for Asphalt-Rubber surfaces over concrete for noise reduction, we received a disappointing response. After assurance that the FHWA had studied alternatives to noise barriers, such as pavement modifications including the use of asphalt surfacing and longitudinal grooves for noise mitigation, the letter stated: "Because of this growing interest, we have reviewed the issue extensively, explored experience in Europe, and considered issuing guidance to establish eligibility for Federal Aid Highway funding. To date however, we have not done so." "The use of Federal aid funds for any noise abatement can be justified on if the noise abatement feature results in substantial reduction (i.e. 5 dBAs or greater) and is permanent. Therefore, the use of pavement type and texture as noise abatement or mitigation measure can be justified only after it has been conclusively demonstrated that the pavement produces a substantial noise reduction for an extended period for the residents adjacent to highways(emphasis added) and is safe and durable." From the statement above it is clear the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, as it currently stands, primarily only computes the height of soundwalls. There are other solutions and we cannot wait to address them. The comfort and safety of the motoring public that builds and maintains freeway systems with their gasoline taxes, must be considered. As Arizona, California and Texas are demonstrating, there is a solution in the form of a pavement surfacing with Asphalt-Rubber, which utilizes crumb rubber from discarded tires to provide a smoother and quieter ride. What needs to be done? It is obvious the FHWA does not sense the urgency of the issue and will not revisit their policy unless there is a high level directive. For this reason, we are requesting that the U.S. Department of Transportation/FHWA create a cabinet level Task Force to explore the solution mentioned above and after a national review, make changes to the existing federal policy so Federal Aid funds can be used to address the Full range of noise mitigation measures.

"It's Time for a Change in Federal Policy" Freeway/Road Noise By Donna J. Carlson, Editor

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"It's Time for a Change in Federal Policy"
Freeway/Road Noise
By Donna J. Carlson, Editor