{"id":11697,"date":"2024-02-08T19:17:54","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T19:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/k10.ksdot.gov\/?page_id=11697"},"modified":"2024-02-09T17:45:46","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T17:45:46","slug":"noise-study","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/k10.ksdot.gov\/noise-study\/","title":{"rendered":"Noise Study"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Noise Study<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Potential traffic noise is being studied as part of the K-10 Capacity Improvements Project Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA will help identify and evaluate the project’s potential impacts on the natural and human-made environments so the KDOT can make informed decisions about solving transportation issues while minimizing impacts such as noise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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What is Noise?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>
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A noise evaluation is done to determine whether sound from the highway impacts adjacent properties. Noise evaluations happen when there is a significant change in roadway alignment or, like K-10, when lanes may be added. The evaluation involves measuring and modeling noise levels while accounting for terrain, traffic type and volume and distance to adjacent properties. The results are compared to federal and state regulations for considering unwanted sound to be an impact \u2014 generally set at an average of 66 decibels (dB) or greater for residences. Conducting this type of evaluation helps an agency like KDOT determine whether traffic sounds exceed the noise impact threshold and whether noise abatement must be considered as part of the\u00a0project.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Identifying Noise Impacts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>
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A detailed software model is used to assess existing noise and predict future noise levels throughout the project. Field measurements are taken to validate the model. Noise levels are considered an impact to residences if\u00a0either:<\/p>\n

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  • Future noise levels are predicted to average 66 decibels or louder during the loudest hour of the day,\u00a0or<\/li>\n
  • The project is predicted to increase noise levels by more than 10\u00a0decibels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If either is true, then noise abatement measures will be considered for impacted\u00a0locations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    Noise Level Decibel\u00a0Chart<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>
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