The Illinois Tollway's (Tollway's) Traffic Noise Study and Abatement Policy update provides an opportunity to evaluate traffic noise throughout the implementation of projects proposed as part of the Tollway's capital improvement programs.

The Tollway's current policy addresses guidelines and procedures for initiating traffic noise studies and considering traffic noise abatement. The policy first establishes the eligibility requirements for a Traffic Noise Study. The policy then establishes the requirements for considering the construction of traffic noise abatement structures and when traffic noise abatement is feasible and reasonable.

The traffic noise analysis guidance provided in this policy is based largely on the regulatory material found inTitle 23 Code of Federal Regulations Part 772 (23 CFR Part 772) entitled "Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise."

If initial traffic noise impact screening assessments indicate the possibility of future traffic noise impacts, then a Traffic Noise Study will be performed. A detailed technical memorandum will be prepared to document the assumption, data, procedures, results and traffic noise abatement considerations and recommendations from the Traffic Noise Study.