Proactive Noise Avoidance and Mitigation Measures

The focus of this research project is the mitigation and avoidance of highway noise through a program of shared responsibility between the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) and local governments. Its objectives are to equip the South Dakota DOT and local communities with education and tools to implement noise compatible land use planning; to recommend policies and guidelines for the South Dakota DOT to use to determine appropriate designs and roadway surfaces in noise sensitive areas; and to define performance measures to assess the effectiveness of the program. The research project included summarizing existing research; interviewing state and local stakeholders, and other state DOT officials; developing model local regulations; revising the South Dakota DOT’s noise policy; conducting workshops; developing a 15-minute DVD, brochure, guidebook and PowerPoint presentation; designing, developing, testing and documenting geographic information systems (GIS) noise planning tools; and providing planning level noise contours for South Dakota interstate highways.