Application of FTA criteria to assess transit noise and vibration impacts in residential areas

Abstract

This paper presents the results of noise and vibration analyses that were performed at six residential sites adjacent to two rail tracks in an active suburban rail corridor to assess the potential impacts of proposed widening of the corridor in the year 2010 to accommodate a third track. The proposed third track would bring the trains closer to residences and would also increase the total number of train movements during a 24-h period. The project noise and vibration impacts were assessed in conformance with recently published FTA (Federal Transit Administration) manual ‘‘Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment’’ (April 1995). Since the sites are exposed to both roadway noise and train noise, monitored hourly Leq noise levels were used to estimate the existing and the future Ldn noise levels. The FTA procedure replaces the maximum single passby noise standards used by APTA (American Public Transit Association) for over 20 years. Following the procedures outlined in the FTA manual, noise impacts were identified at three of the six residential sites, and noise walls at the three affected sites were recommended as mitigation. Also, mitigation options were recommended at two residences where potential vibration impacts were identified.