Memorandum

The following papers/documents have been prepared to assist the FHWA Division Offices and State Departments of Transportation (SDOTs) in their highway traffic noise programs. These papers/documents are updates of previous publications with similar information and are available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ab_noise.htm.

• Highway Traffic Noise in the United States: Problem and Response:

This report has been developed to provide information about the problem of highway traffic noise and the United States' response to that problem. This report summarizes 1) the general nature of the problem, 2) the response of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the problem, and 3) highway noise barriers constructed or planned. Before discussing these items, however, a general discussion of the Federal-aid highway program is included to assist the reader.

• Summary of Noise Barriers Constructed by December 31, 2004:

This paper contains a listing of all noise barriers constructed with highway program monies since 1973, as reported by State highway agencies. The listing is updated every three years and contains information on length, height, cost, material, location, and year constructed for each State.

• Highway Traffic Noise Barrier Construction Trends:

Through the end of 2004, 45 SDOTs and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have constructed over 2,205 linear miles of barriers at a cost of over $2.6 billion ($3.4 billion in 2004 dollars). Five States and the District of Columbia have not constructed noise barriers to date. A detailed listing of noise barrier data may be found in "Summary of Noise Barriers Constructed by December 31, 2004."

• Highway Traffic Noise Barrier Materials and Cost By State

State DOTs have constructed noise barriers from earth, masonry block, brick, concrete, metal, wood, other materials (e.g., polyurethane), and combinations of materials. This paper contains an analysis of data on noise barrier materials, listed by each state that has utilized a specific material type. A detailed listing of noise barrier data may be found in "Summary of Noise Barriers Constructed by December 31, 2004."

If you have questions or comments concerning these items or highway traffic noise in general, please feel free to contact Mark Ferroni (Mark.Ferroni@fhwa.dot.gov) at (202) 366-3233 or Chris Corbisier (Chris.Corbisier@fhwa.dot.gov) at (202) 366-1473.

cc: Directors of Field Services