Noise & Air

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Traffic Noise Abatement Policy identifies NCDOT’s commitment to provide noise reduction measures in accordance with federal and state regulations and procedures. NCDOT provides appropriate traffic noise measurements and noise reduction options such as sound walls, earthen mounds or trees whenever the public is adversely affected by highway noise.

Noise studies performed by NCDOT provide the data used to determine whether noise-sensitive areas comply with policy provisions.

The Federal Highway Administration delegates responsibility for performance of traffic noise studies to each state’s transportation agencies on all federally-funded transportation projects. The FHWA reviews each state's policy to make sure it meets federal traffic noise reduction standards. The FHWA Noise Web site is an excellent source for more information on traffic noise.

There are two types of noise reduction projects. Type I projects include construction of new highways or widening of existing roads. Type II projects provide noise reduction measures on existing highways.

NCDOT constructs noise barriers for Type I projects when they meet policy requirements. NCDOT does not construct noise barriers for Type II projects, and does not have a Type II policy because of funding restrictions. It is the responsibility of local governments or developers to secure funding for Type II noise reduction projects.

NCDOT is looking for public comments on the existing policy and potential changes for future policy. Comments will be received from May 24 to June 25. NCDOT anticipates the policy revisions to be put into effect by early 2011.

To view the complete policy, please go to the NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy Web site. The federal regulations are available at the FHWA Federal-Aid Policy Guide Web site.

To submit a comment, go to the NCDOT Contact Us Website.

Citizens can also mail comments to:

NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598

All comments will be considered during the revision process.