During the rapid expansion of the highway system and other roadways in the twentieth century, communities began to recognize highway traffic noise and construction noise had become important environmental impacts.
The Federal Highway Administration developed noise regulation that applies to highway construction projects with federal funding. The Oregon Department of Transportation is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Noise regulation addresses:
- Traffic noise prediction requirements;
- Noise analyses;
- Noise abatement criteria; and
- Requirements for informing local officials.