Sponsor

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Project Highlights

• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM) provides a comprehensive computer model for highway noise prediction and analysis.
• The TNM was developed by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) for the FHWA's Office of Natural and Human Environment to aid in compliance with environmental regulations.
• TNM Version 2.5 was released in 2004, led by the Volpe Center and FHWA. Its use by the highway community became mandatory in May 2005.
• Current development of Version 3.0 by the Volpe Center and FHWA involves contemporizing the source code, preventing obsolescence due to platform incompatibility and allowing for efficient software development and maintenance; graphical user interface (GUI) enhancements are also being included, as well as a redesigned database.
• Future versions of the TNM software will likely involve (1) further bug fixes and enhancements to the user interface; (2) further improvement to the noise computational algorithms; (3) implementation of pavement effects; and (4) implementation of additional meteorological effects.

Project Point of Contact

Judy Rochat
Project Manager
617.494.6338
judy.rochat@dot.gov

Project Overview

The Volpe Center will provide continuing support to the TNM development effort by:

1. Designing and developing current and future versions of the TNM
2. Providing quality assurance validation and testing of the developed software
3. Providing user support and maintenance of the software
4. Reviewing requests for state-specific database use in the TNM
5. Supporting special project analyses

The Volpe Center will also provide support in the development and review of state-specific programs to introduce quiet pavement as a noise suppression tool. Pilot pavement programs will be developed according to each participating state's needs, the results of each program potentially leading to Federal noise policy changes (including changes in the TNM). The Volpe Center will conduct quiet pavement and tire/pavement noise research as requested by FHWA.

The Volpe Center will also evaluate and document improvements and changes in highway noise abatement technology and measurement procedures. Documentation may include updating existing manuals on noise measurement procedures, construction noise measurement, noise barrier design, and land-use planning.