According to the most recent data available from 1987, noise from highway traffic affects more than 18 million people in the U.S. As highway systems continue expanding, increased traffic volumes will result in higher levels of traffic noise for residents of adjacent neighborhoods. This article describes how, through advanced planning and shared responsibility, local governments and developers working cooperatively with Federal and State governments can plan, design, and construct new development projects and roadways that minimize the adverse effects of noise from highway traffic. The use of noise-compatible land use planning encourages the location of less noise-sensitive land uses near highways, promotes the use of open space separating roads from developments, and suggests special construction techniques that lessen the impacts of highway traffic noise.
Abstract