Noise Abatement Requirements
Noise Abatement Requirements
FHWA regulations for noise evaluation are detailed in Title 23: Highways - Part 772-Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. The regulations require the consideration of noise abatement mitigation when traffic noise impacts that exceed a defined threshold are identified.
Update: In 2024, the FHWA proposed to revise the Federal regulations on the Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. The proposed rule would clarify certain definitions, the applicability of this rulemaking, certain analysis requirements, and the eligibility of funds made available under the Highways title of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to provide noise abatement measures and to improve the analytical procedures. The FHWA also proposed changes and clarifications of factors used to determine the effectiveness of noise abatement measures. In addition, the proposed rule would include exemptions to Type I projects and allow screening analysis that would focus on the projects most likely to cause a traffic noise impact to improve efficiency. The proposed rule would make several changes that are intended to increase the pool of eligible participants in the noise study and mitigation decision processes to ensure everyone receives due consideration for impacts and the possibility of receiving abatement on a given project.
ADOT will continue working on updating the ADOT Noise Abatement Requirements and pertinent Instructions to align it with the new regulations, once the Regulatory Freeze is lifted or additional information becomes available.
The FHWA regulations require the following during the planning and design of a highway project:
- Identification of traffic noise impacts and examination of potential mitigation measures
- Incorporation of reasonable (resident/owner preferences, noise reduction goals, cost effectiveness) and feasible (engineering and acoustic) noise mitigation measures into the highway project
- Coordination with local officials to provide helpful information on compatible land use planning and control
ADOT Requirements
- Noise Abatement Requirements - 2017
For Noise Inquiries and Complaints from the public, please submit via Online Tool, selecting Noise on the dropdown menu:
You may use this tool to submit suggestions on the new noise abatement requirements as well, for consideration.
For Consultants working on ADOT projects, and Local Public Agencies, please contact the EPG Noise Program Manager for consultation prior to beginning any meaningful noise analysis for all ADOT managed or approved projects. Ivan Racic (ADOT Noise Program Manager) can be reached at 480.773.8497 or [email protected]. This contact information is not to be used for submitting noise complaints.