​Highway Traffic Noise

Noise is "unwanted or disturbing sound." Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with or diminishes one's quality of life. One of the most significant sources of noise from transportation is highway traffic noise. Highway traffic noise comes from a vehicle's engine, the exhaust, and the interaction of the tires and pavement. Once highway speeds are reached, the predominant noise from cars and light trucks is the interaction of the tires and pavement. Heavy trucks (18-wheelers, dump trucks, etc.), even when highway speeds are reached, produce a high volume of noise from all three sources.

Highway traffic noise impacts are reviewed so as to assess the potential for future highway traffic noise impacts from the transportation project. Noise can negatively impact the quality of life of those who are exposed to it. Reducing these impacts is the primary goal of noise abatement.