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Contacts

For more information, please contact:

Mark Ferroni
Phone: 202-366-3233

Adam Alexander
Phone: 202-366-1473

Resource Center

Mary Ann Rondinella
Phone: 720-963-3207

Stephanie Stoermer
Phone: 720-963-3218

Michael Roberts
Phone: 404-562-3928

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

Subject: Highway Traffic Noise Analyses for Cemeteries, Trails, and Trail Crossings

While not mentioned specifically in any activity category in Table 1, Noise Abatement Criteria, in 23 CFR Part 772, "Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise," a cemetery should be included in Activity Category B unless it possesses a special importance, e.g., the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (in which case Category A would be appropriate). Likewise, a trail or trail crossing should be included in Activity Category B. Category B includes exterior areas of uses such as recreation areas, parks, churches, libraries, and hospitals, and a cemetery, trail or trail crossing should be treated as being similar to these types of uses.

Abatement measures should be considered for all highway traffic noise impacts which are expected to occur, including those at cemeteries, trails, and trail crossings. The abatement measures should be implemented if they are determined to be reasonable and feasible. A cemetery, trail, or trail crossing may also receive added consideration for noise abatement measures if an extenuating circumstance occurs, such as when existing noise levels in the cemetery increase substantially due to construction of a new highway on new location.