Action
Advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM); request for comments.
Summary
The FHWA is requesting comments on whether its regulations on noise insulation of private residences should be revised to allow Federal participation when a traffic noise impact occurs, i.e., when predicted traffic noise levels substantially exceed the existing noise levels. Currently, Federal participation in the noise insulation of private residences is allowable only in situations where: Severe traffic noise impacts exist or are expected, and normal abatement measures are physically infeasible or economically unreasonable. In these instances, the FHWA may approve a State's request for unusual or extraordinary abatement measures on a case-by-case basis. When considering extraordinary abatement measures, the State must demonstrate that the affected activities experience traffic noise impacts to a far greater degree than other similar activities adjacent to highway facilities. For example, residential areas experience absolute noise levels of at least 75 decibels or residential areas experience noise level increases of at least 30 decibels over existing noise levels. The noise insulation of private residences is an example of an extraordinary abatement measure.