Ohio Department of Transportation

Ohio Department of Ohio Department of TransportationTransportation

Statewide Investigation of Noise Abatement Statewide Investigation of Noise Abatement AlternativesAlternatives

• Noise in the Spotlight: History of ODOT Noise in the Spotlight: History of ODOT Abatement MeasuresAbatement Measures

• ODOT Noise Abatement Alternatives StudyODOT Noise Abatement Alternatives Study• Mitigation Techniques :Mitigation Techniques :

From Noise Source Along Noise Path At Noise Receivers Through Planning Initiatives

• Summary of Noise Mitigation OptionsSummary of Noise Mitigation Options• ConclusionConclusion

OverviewOverview

BackgroundBackground

• Mandated in Mandated in Amended Substitute House Bill Amended Substitute House Bill Number 66, Section 203.03.18Number 66, Section 203.03.18

• Amendment offered by legislator from district Amendment offered by legislator from district adjacent to Ohio Turnpike – Interstate 80adjacent to Ohio Turnpike – Interstate 80

• Ohio Turnpike Commission paid damages to Ohio Turnpike Commission paid damages to original landowners to compensate for noise and original landowners to compensate for noise and added deed restrictionadded deed restriction

BackgroundBackground

• Later residential development resulted in noise Later residential development resulted in noise impacts with no remedyimpacts with no remedy

- No Type I projectsNo Type I projects

- Not eligible for Type IINot eligible for Type II

• Local business interest proposed noise cancellation Local business interest proposed noise cancellation technologytechnology

LimitationsLimitations

• Ohio Revised Code (ORC) prohibits purchase of Ohio Revised Code (ORC) prohibits purchase of buffer zonesbuffer zones

• ORC requires consideration of “natural barriers” ORC requires consideration of “natural barriers” for all projectsfor all projects

• Any new alternatives must satisfy FHWA and Any new alternatives must satisfy FHWA and ODOT policiesODOT policies

ODOT Noise Abatement Study:ODOT Noise Abatement Study:

Investigation into Noise Abatement AlternativesInvestigation into Noise Abatement Alternatives

ODOT Noise Abatement StudyODOT Noise Abatement Study

• Ohio Legislature established a requirement in 2006 Ohio Legislature established a requirement in 2006 “to perform a study of alternative soundproofing “to perform a study of alternative soundproofing methods that could be used as an alternative to methods that could be used as an alternative to traditional sound barriers”.traditional sound barriers”.

Source: Amended Substitute House Bill Number 66, Section 203.03.18

• The study investigates all potentially feasible and The study investigates all potentially feasible and reasonable noise abatement alternatives available reasonable noise abatement alternatives available for use in the State of Ohio.for use in the State of Ohio.

• From Noise SourceFrom Noise Source

• Along Noise PathAlong Noise Path

• At Noise ReceiverAt Noise Receiver

• Through Planning InitiativesThrough Planning Initiatives

Mitigation strategies Mitigation strategies

and Techniquesand Techniques

Noise SourceNoise Source

• Considered to represent an existing and/or planned Considered to represent an existing and/or planned highway corridor.highway corridor.

• Noise emissions grouped into 3 categoriesNoise emissions grouped into 3 categories::1. VehiclesVehicles

2. Vehicle Operational CharacteristicsVehicle Operational Characteristics

3. Roadway Engineering ConsiderationsRoadway Engineering Considerations

Noise SourceNoise Source1.1. VehiclesVehicles

a.a. Engine/Power Train/Mechanical NoiseEngine/Power Train/Mechanical Noise

b.b. Exhaust NoiseExhaust Noise

c.c. Tire NoiseTire Noise

d.d. Engine Brake NoiseEngine Brake Noise

a.a. Speed ConsiderationSpeed Consideration b.b. Reductions in Vehicle VolumeReductions in Vehicle Volume

c.c. Modifications to Vehicle Composition and Reduced Modifications to Vehicle Composition and Reduced Truck VolumesTruck Volumes

d.d. Other Traffic Calming MeasuresOther Traffic Calming Measures

e.e. Driver BehaviorDriver Behavior

Noise SourceNoise Source2.2. Vehicle Operational CharacteristicsVehicle Operational Characteristics

Noise SourceNoise Source

Vehicle Operational

Characteristics

Noise SourceNoise Source

Vehicle Operational

Characteristics

Noise SourceNoise Source3.3. Engineering ConsiderationsEngineering Considerations

• Alteration of Vertical/Horizontal AlignmentsAlteration of Vertical/Horizontal Alignments

• Reduced GradesReduced Grades

• TunnelsTunnels

• Pavement ConsiderationsPavement Considerations

Noise SourceNoise SourceEngineering ConsiderationsEngineering Considerations

Alteration of Vertical/Horizontal AlignmentsAlteration of Vertical/Horizontal Alignments

Noise SourceNoise SourceEngineering ConsiderationsEngineering Considerations

TunnelsTunnels

Noise SourceNoise SourceEngineering ConsiderationsEngineering Considerations

Pavement ConsiderationsPavement Considerations Pavement Options Relative Reductions

Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) Baseline

Densely-Graded Asphalt 3 - 4 dBA from PCC

Roadway Surface Treatments and Overlays 3 - 8 dBA from PCC

Porous PCC Pavement 4 - 7 dBA from PCC

Open Graded Friction Course Pavement (OGFC) 4 - 7 dBA from PCC

Rubberized Asphalts and Quiet Pavements 7 - 8 dBA from PCC

Quiet Pavement Pilot Program (QPPP) and Other Quiet Pavement ResearchQuiet Pavement Pilot Program (QPPP) and Other Quiet Pavement Research

- FHWA Requires participation in QPPP or research program to use FHWA Requires participation in QPPP or research program to use alternate pavement as a form of noise mitigationalternate pavement as a form of noise mitigation

Mitigation strategies Mitigation strategies

and Techniquesand Techniques

• From Noise SourceFrom Noise Source

• Along Noise PathAlong Noise Path

• At Noise ReceiverAt Noise Receiver

• Through Planning InitiativesThrough Planning Initiatives

Noise PathNoise Path

1.1. Atmospheric ConditionsAtmospheric Conditions

2.2. Geometric SpreadingGeometric Spreading

3.3. Noise BarriersNoise Barriers

4.4. Earth BermsEarth Berms

5.5. Buildings and Other Man-Made ObjectsBuildings and Other Man-Made Objects

6.6. Vegetative ScreeningVegetative Screening

7.7. Active Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation

Noise BarrierNoise Barrier

AttenuationAttenuation

Barrier Height Barrier Height

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Barrier Length and Flanking Noise ConsiderationsBarrier Length and Flanking Noise Considerations

Horizontal Placement of BarriersHorizontal Placement of Barriers

Absorptive Barrier ConsiderationsAbsorptive Barrier Considerations

Noise PathNoise PathNoise BarriersNoise Barriers

• ODOT Standard Design/CriteriaODOT Standard Design/Criteria - Height – 8 to 20 ft., also addresses aesthetics.Height – 8 to 20 ft., also addresses aesthetics. - Address concerns of local officials and the public.Address concerns of local officials and the public.

• Potential BenefitsPotential Benefits - ODOT minimum requirement is 5 dBA (feasible).ODOT minimum requirement is 5 dBA (feasible).

• Anticipated CostsAnticipated Costs - Type 1 - $17.50/sq. foot Type 2- $20.00/sq. footType 1 - $17.50/sq. foot Type 2- $20.00/sq. foot - $280-$320/ linear foot, assuming 16 foot height.$280-$320/ linear foot, assuming 16 foot height.

• Land Acquisition for Construction of Noise Land Acquisition for Construction of Noise BarriersBarriers

- Establish easementsEstablish easements on land beyond right-of-way.on land beyond right-of-way.

Land Acquisition for Construction of BarrierLand Acquisition for Construction of Barrier

Earth BermsEarth Berms

Noise PathNoise PathBuildings and Other Man Made ObjectsBuildings and Other Man Made Objects

• Buildings and other man-made objectsBuildings and other man-made objects

- Can shield noise from adjacent land uses.Can shield noise from adjacent land uses.

- Reduction of 3 dBA for first row of homes and an Reduction of 3 dBA for first row of homes and an

additional 1.5 dBA reduction for each additional row.additional 1.5 dBA reduction for each additional row.

* Beyond the control of ODOTBeyond the control of ODOT..

Noise PathNoise PathVegetative ScreeningVegetative Screening

Vegetative ScreeningVegetative Screening

- 100 foot corridor that obstructs the line-of-site100 foot corridor that obstructs the line-of-site cancan

reduce noise 5 dBA, with 200 feet up to 10 dBA.reduce noise 5 dBA, with 200 feet up to 10 dBA.

* ODOT ODOT doesdoes include vegetative screening in its include vegetative screening in its

policy, but limits spending to $125/linear foot. policy, but limits spending to $125/linear foot.

* ODOT will consider vegetation for aesthetic reasons.ODOT will consider vegetation for aesthetic reasons.

Noise PathNoise PathActive Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation

• Active Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation

- Theory – Theory – Introduce identical sound wave exactly out Introduce identical sound wave exactly out of phase with the original wave. of phase with the original wave.

- Multiple sources of noise in a 3-D application areMultiple sources of noise in a 3-D application are

very difficult to monitor and replicate (out of very difficult to monitor and replicate (out of phase).phase).

- Not proven in real-world scenarios.Not proven in real-world scenarios.

Active Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation

Mitigation strategies Mitigation strategies

and Techniquesand Techniques

• From Noise SourceFrom Noise Source

• Along Noise PathAlong Noise Path

• At Noise ReceiverAt Noise Receiver

• Through Planning InitiativesThrough Planning Initiatives

Noise ReceiversNoise Receivers

1.1. Sound InsulationSound Insulation

2.2. Noise MaskingNoise Masking

Noise ReceiversNoise Receivers

• Sound InsulationSound Insulation

Examples:

- Double pane windowsDouble pane windows

- Central air conditioningCentral air conditioning

- Solid-core doorsSolid-core doors

Ohio Specific

- Limited to special land uses (i.e. nonprofit Org.)Limited to special land uses (i.e. nonprofit Org.)

- ODOT Noise Insulation Inspection ChecklistODOT Noise Insulation Inspection Checklist

- Have participated in past sound insulation Have participated in past sound insulation

projects ranging in cost from $11,000 to $65,000.projects ranging in cost from $11,000 to $65,000.

Noise ReceiversNoise Receivers

• Noise MaskingNoise Masking

Examples:

- Water featuresWater features

- Music (“White Noise”)Music (“White Noise”)

Site Specific

- Limited effectiveness in very loud areas.Limited effectiveness in very loud areas.

- Reduce the “annoyance” of noise, rather than Reduce the “annoyance” of noise, rather than

the volume of noise.the volume of noise.

- Available in exterior and interior situations.Available in exterior and interior situations.

Mitigation strategies Mitigation strategies

and Techniquesand Techniques

• From Noise SourceFrom Noise Source

• Along Noise PathAlong Noise Path

• At Noise ReceiverAt Noise Receiver

• Through Planning InitiativesThrough Planning Initiatives

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

• Develop planning, zoning or other legal means Develop planning, zoning or other legal means

(i.e. subdivision or development standards, building codes, health (i.e. subdivision or development standards, building codes, health codes, or occupancy permits);codes, or occupancy permits);

• Municipal controls include land or easement purchases or the Municipal controls include land or easement purchases or the acceptance of land donations;acceptance of land donations;

• Community education programs to inform citizens, developers, Community education programs to inform citizens, developers, and local planners of the option for structures and land uses that and local planners of the option for structures and land uses that will be harmonious next to a highway;will be harmonious next to a highway;

• Acoustical site planning, architectural design or acoustical Acoustical site planning, architectural design or acoustical construction.construction.

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

1.1. Noise Compatible Land Use PlanningNoise Compatible Land Use Planning a. Small Scale Noise Mitigation Strategies - Controlled by local municipality.Controlled by local municipality. - Proactive approach to planning. Proactive approach to planning.

Examples: - Zoning for commercial/industrial land uses to Zoning for commercial/industrial land uses to be placed adjacent to highway corridors.be placed adjacent to highway corridors. - Buffer zones between highway corridors and Buffer zones between highway corridors and noise-sensitive areas.noise-sensitive areas.

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

b. Large Scale Noise Mitigation Strategies

- Controlled and implemented at the local level Controlled and implemented at the local level

with guidance and direction from states.with guidance and direction from states.

- State and federal government offer assistance State and federal government offer assistance

Examples:

- Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)

- Transfers of Development Rights (TDR) Transfers of Development Rights (TDR)

- Proponent Mitigated Development (PMD) Proponent Mitigated Development (PMD)

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

• Roadway Noise Mitigation ProgramsRoadway Noise Mitigation Programs

- “Highly-Sensitive” vs. “Less-Sensitive” land uses.“Highly-Sensitive” vs. “Less-Sensitive” land uses.

* Categorize individual land uses in zoning codeCategorize individual land uses in zoning code

- Perform inventory of existing and future noise levels.Perform inventory of existing and future noise levels.

- Purpose: to limit development of “Highly-Sensitive” Purpose: to limit development of “Highly-Sensitive”

land uses in defined noise impact zones. land uses in defined noise impact zones.

* State DOT Responsibility State DOT Responsibility

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

3.3. ODOT InitiativesODOT Initiatives

- Has initiated noise compatible land use planning.Has initiated noise compatible land use planning.

- Working with the Miami Valley Regional Planning Working with the Miami Valley Regional Planning

Commission (MVRPC) on a “four-phase” approach Commission (MVRPC) on a “four-phase” approach

to promote these strategies. to promote these strategies.

- Ex: I-675 corridor in Greene County, OH Ex: I-675 corridor in Greene County, OH

* Future development can be modified based on Future development can be modified based on

developed existing and future noise contours.developed existing and future noise contours.

Planning InitiativesPlanning Initiatives

4.4. Acquisition of Land to Serve as a Buffer toAcquisition of Land to Serve as a Buffer to Preempt DevelopmentPreempt Development - Federal funds can be used to acquire buffer zones Federal funds can be used to acquire buffer zones

adjacent to highway corridors.adjacent to highway corridors. - Begins at the highway planning phase.Begins at the highway planning phase. - Improve aesthetics and roadway appearance.Improve aesthetics and roadway appearance. - Very costly mitigation option, but very effective.Very costly mitigation option, but very effective.

* Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Revised Code, § 5501.32§ 5501.32 limits ODOT’s limits ODOT’s abilityability

to purchase lands and indicates the property mayto purchase lands and indicates the property may be purchased strictly for “highway purposes”.be purchased strictly for “highway purposes”.

Summary of NoiseSummary of Noise

Mitigation OptionsMitigation Options

• Mitigation TechniqueMitigation Technique

• General EffectivenessGeneral Effectiveness

• Monetary CostsMonetary Costs

• Conditions Where FeasibleConditions Where Feasible

• Within the Control of the DepartmentWithin the Control of the Department

ConclusionsConclusions

• Wide range of alternativesWide range of alternatives• Some may not satisfy reasonable/feasible Some may not satisfy reasonable/feasible

requirementsrequirements

- CostCost

- PermanencePermanence

- Level of CommitmentLevel of Commitment• Most useful methodsMost useful methods

- Noise Compatible Land Use PlanningNoise Compatible Land Use Planning

- Noise BarriersNoise Barriers

QuestionsQuestions

andand

Answers Answers