Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Transportation
Chapter Trans 405 - Siting noise barriers
Section Trans 405.02 - Definitions
Current through February 26, 2024
In this chapter:
(1) "Department" means the department of transportation.
(2) "Existing noise level" means the highest hourly noise level caused by existing conditions in a particular area.
(3) "Future noise level" means the highest hourly traffic noise level based on estimated traffic volumes within a 20 year period after the completion of construction of the new highway facility.
(4) "Noise barrier" means any device, which reduces the transmission of highway traffic noise from a highway to an adjacent receptor, including, but not limited to, earth berms, walls made from timber, metal, concrete, or any combination thereof.
(5) "Noise level" means the sound level obtained through use of A-weighting characteristics. The unit of measure is the decibel (dB), commonly referred to as dBA when A-weighting is used.
(6) "Receptor" means an outdoor place where frequent human use occurs and a lowered noise level would be of benefit.
(7) "Residence" means the official location of a household.
(8) "Retrofit project" means a proposed project for the construction of noise barriers along an existing highway.
