Noise Mitigation Pilot Project

The Ohio Turnpike Commission’s executive director and staff are aware of neighbors concerns regarding traffic noise on the Ohio Turnpike.

The Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have mutually determined that it is in the public interest to perform a Pilot Project whereby the Commission will study the viability of various noise mitigation methods or techniques that may alleviate traffic noise along the Turnpike corridor.

The Agreement was signed on June 18, 2008.  The Commission then issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Noise Mitigation Study (Project No. 71-08-02) and four proposals were submitted in response to the RFP on July 2, 2008.

Commission staff reviewed the proposals and a contract was awarded at the Commission Meeting on July 28, 2008 to TranSystems for the performance of the Noise Mitigation Study and Pilot Program.  Click here to view the Resolution.

Timeline after award of contract:

• August 2008 - Commence Noise Mitigation Study.
• December 31, 2008 - Study must be completed and Pilot Project must be underway.
• June 30, 2009 - Pilot Project must be completed, and Report prepared and submitted to the Turnpike Legislative Review Committee of the General Assembly. 

Below is a portion of the legislative language to Capital Bill, Am. Sub. H.B. 562. regarding the Pilot Project.

Sec. 315.10. OHIO TURNPIKE COMMISSION NOISE MITIGATION PILOT PROJECT

The Ohio Turnpike Commission shall perform a study of noise impact mitigation methods or techniques that may be used as an alternative to traditional sound barriers on the turnpike project. The study shall examine the viability of alternative noise impact mitigation methods or techniques that may be installed to alleviate traffic noise that is in excess of the criteria contained in the Ohio Department of Transportation's "Standard Procedures for the Analysis and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise." After completing the study, but before December 31, 2008, the Ohio Turnpike Commission shall commence a pilot program utilizing one or more alternative noise impact mitigation methods or techniques examined in the study, and shall submit a report containing the results of the pilot program and projected costs of further implementation to the Turnpike Legislative Review Committee not later than June 30, 2009.

The Consultant hired to conduct a field study will likely examine both the proximity of homes to the roadway and noise levels at various locations adjacent to the Turnpike.  The Commission will review the products or resources available to potentially help reduce noise in those areas that have been identified as a priority.

While the primary obligation is to keep the Ohio Turnpike operating as a safe, reliable, and convenient interstate for our customers, we plan to manage the concerns of our neighboring communities as well.

New updates will be posted here when available.

If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at 440-234-2081, or if you wish to send additional correspondence to the Executive Director, you can send a letter to the Ohio Turnpike Commission offices at 682 Prospect St., Berea, OH 44017.

POSTED ON:  07.11.08

UPDATED ON:  07.29.08