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Highway Traffic and Construction Noise - Regulation and Guidance

Regulations

Title / Description Date HTML PDF
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Open for review and comment from Oct 18 to Dec 17, 2024.
October 18, 2024 HTML for Federal Register

HTML for Fact Sheet, Supporting Documents, and Webinars
PDF of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register
Title 23: Highways - Part 772-Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
July 2010 HTML  
23 CFR Part 772
On July 13, 2010, the FHWA published a final rule updating 23 CFR 772. This final rule amends sections 772.1, 772.5 to 772.17, and Table 1--Noise Abatement Criteria. Sections 772.3 and 772.19 are not amended by this final rule. The final rule required each State DOT to revise its noise policy to be in accordance with this final rule. The final rule also released an updated guidance document, an optional “Draft State Highway Agency Noise Policy Template” and eliminated the use of the TNM Lookup Tables in either form (hard copy table or executable program) to predict noise levels on Federal or Federal-aid projects.
Jul. 2010 HTML PDF (220 KB)

Guidance

Title / Description HTML Date
Design
FHWA Highway Noise Barrier Design Handbook
The package addresses both acoustical and non-acoustical considerations associated with highway noise barrier design. The package provides guidance on how to design a highway noise barrier which fits its surroundings and performs its intended acoustical and structural functions, with a reasonable life-cycle cost. The package also provides a state-of-the-art reference of common concepts, designs, materials, and installation techniques for professional highway engineers and acoustical designers and planners, as well as non-professional community members.
HTML 02/05/2009
General
Highway Traffic Noise - Guidance on Pavement as a Noise Abatement Measure HTML January, 2016
23 CFR 772 Final Rule and NEPA Reevaluations
This document provides guidance on when a highway agency should consult the FHWA to determine if a NEPA reevaluation for a highway project is needed based on July 13, 2010 23 CFR 772 final rulemaking.
HTML 07/13/2010
Noise Policy FAQs
FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Frequently Asked Questions
HTML 05/23/2012
Highway Traffic Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guidance
This document provides FHWA guidance on legislation, 23 CFR 772, noise fundamentals, analysis, and documentation of highway traffic noise and construction noise. This document supersedes the June 1995 Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement: Policy and Guidance document on July 13, 2011. This December 2011 document contains updates from what was originally released in July 2010 and updates provided in December 2010. This latest update reflects additional guidance that was identified during the process of updating State DOT noise policies. The following document list the topics where additional guidance was provided since the original release of this document in July 2010.
HTML 12/01/2011
Construction Noise Handbook HTML August, 2006
Measurement
Noise Measurement Field Guide - Final Report
FHWA-HEP-18-066
HTML 09/13/2017
Noise Measurement Handbook
FHWA-HEP-18-065
HTML 09/15/2017
Prediction
Release and Phase-In of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model Version 2.5
Memorandum
HTML April, 2004
Recommended Best Practices for the Use of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) HTML 12/08/2015
Consideration of Existing Noise Barrier in a Type I Noise Analysis
(FHWA-HEP-12-051)
HTML 2012
Federal Highway Administration's Traffic Noise Model (FHWA TNM), User's Guide (Version 2.5 Addendum) HTML 04/01/2004
FHWA Traffic Noise Model FAQs HTML 04/01/2004
Superseded and/or Cancelled Documents
Guidance on Quiet Pavement Pilot Programs
Superseded February 2016
HTML Jan. 2005
Highway Traffic Noise--Type I Projects
Note: This guidance has been superseded by the 772 final rule.
HTML Oct. 1998
Highway Traffic Noise Analyses for Cemeteries, Trails, and Trail Crossings
Note: This guidance has been superseded by the 772 final rule.
HTML Jun. 1995
Updated: 10/25/2024
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