1. Tools for Expedited Regional Transportation Noise Modeling Jim Cowan and Ken Kaliski Resource Systems Group, Inc. White River Junction, VT

2. 2 The Noise Map

3. 3 The Ingredients Road traffic volumes and speeds Rail traffic volumes and speeds Roadway and rail geometry Aerial Photography Topography Residential database (E-911)

4. 4 Road Traffic and Speeds Volumes, Speeds, and Road Geometry from the 2005 PM Peak Hour MPO TransCAD Travel Demand Model Adjusted to AADT using 10% K-Factor Truck Percentage and Time of Day Distribution using Cadna/A Defaults for Federal Highways (German Standards) - Cadna to include TNM beginning Fall 2006

5. 5 Rail Traffic and Speeds Data supplied from rail authorities (NECR and VTR) - Volumes - Speeds - Number of cars - Number of locomotives - Schedules

6. 6 Aerial Photography Source - USGS/Microsoft TerraServer - Vermont Mapping Program Use - Visualization - Identification of Building Densities

7. 7 Terrain USGS Digital Elevation Models Contoured using Surfer

8. 8 Other Data Town Boundaries Roadways/Rail Lines Residence Locations Built-up Areas

9. 9 The Result

10. 10 Calibration Results 17 locations monitored - Short and long term Regression shows good fit Mean error +2.1 dB Standard deviation 4.3 dB 50 th percentile error +1.1 dB Some significant outliers

11. 11 Household Level Detail

12. 12 GIS Analysis

13. 13 Implications 20% of households live with daytime levels exceeding 55 dBA - This is the WHO criterion for “serious annoyance” - This compares with 40% in Europe 45% of households live with nighttime levels exceeding 45 dBA - This is the WHO sleep disturbance criterion - Sleep disturbance does not necessarily mean waking up

14. 14 Impacts of Noise Interference with communication Interference with learning Social behavior Annoyance Sleep disturbance Attendance at TRB meetings

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17. 17 Why Do Noise Mapping? Establish basis for noise management strategies Assess land-use planning success Identify compatible land uses Analyze impacts of new sources Determine extent of noise exposure Evaluate high risk groups and areas Assess effectiveness of noise policies Because we can

18. 18 How Can a Municipality Use the Noise Map? Baseline level for future area-wide planning - Quick assessment of land-use forecast impacts and changes to transportation network Development of community noise standards - Supplement to community noise surveys Basis for development planning - Test policies (traffic calming, etc.) - Support zoning - Help developers plan better residential development Raise awareness of noise issues

19. 19 Questions?