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The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Traffic Noise Model (TNM 2.5) was used to derive existing and future noise levels.
Existing (2020) and future (2040) traffic data were used for the noise analysis.
Sensitive receivers in areas of frequent human use were first identified using aerial photography and street views from Google Maps, which were then field verified. The receivers were 279 residences of Northwoods Estates community located along Interstate 26. This information was then input to the TNM 2.5 software for modeling.
In order to verify that the noise model is an accurate representation of field conditions, ambient noise field measurements were taken at 4 locations within the Northwoods Estates community to compare with the model. The field measurements were taken on Wednesday, October 16, at: 8687 Bentwood Drive, 8318 Delhi Road, 8139 Long Shadow Lane, and 7920 New Ryder Road.
The field measurements were then compared to the existing conditions model results. The field measurements were within 3 decibels of the model results, so the model is validated. The model is then used to calculate the existing (2020) and future year (2040) noise levels to identify the impacted receivers.
