Highway traffic noise is negative externality of our necessary transportation system. Acute hearing loss does not often occur due to traffic noise, but chronic hearing loss may occur in some situation such as employees of businesses involved in the industry (e.g. truck drivers, toll booth attendees, etc.). For the average person, especially for those with homes in closer proximity to major roadways, the primary impact is annoyance which includes interference with normal events (e.g., sleep, communication, outdoor activities, etc.). This annoyance can lead to health problems other than hearing loss. Traffic noise is generally controlled at the national level and significant activity has occurred recently in highway noise analysis including a new national model, methods to determine key variables/inputs, reviews of abatement measures, advances to prediction capabilities, and application into new areas. This presentation will review these new topic areas, especially the new FHWA model; TNM3.0 which replaces TNM2.5 but is a very different model in use. The other topics will provide information on new research that seeks to assist analysts in defining project input and possibilities, especially those sponsored by FHWA and the National Academies. The overall goal of the presentation will be to introduce these advancements and changes in traffic noise analysis.
