FDOT considers noise abatement in the form of a noise barrier wall when traffic noise impacts are identified during a traffic noise study. If traffic noise impacts are found, a noise barrier analysis is performed to determine if a noise barrier wall is feasible and reasonable.
Feasible — feasibility factors involve acoustic (noise reduction) and engineering considerations. The barrier must provide a noise reduction of at least 5 dB(A) to two or more receptors, and the wall can be built using standard construction methods and techniques.
Reasonable — reasonableness factors include the consideration of the viewpoints of benefited property owners, cost-effectiveness, and achieving the FDOT noise reduction design goal (at least one receptor receiving at least 7 dB(A) of benefit).
If a noise barrier wall meets these criteria, it is presented to affected property owners and residences. If a majority support construction of the noise barrier wall, it is included with the roadway project.