Transportation systems are the predominant source of sounds outdoors. How detrimental these sounds are to human health and well-being is a subject of continuing debate. When loud enough and frequent enough, however, the sounds diminish quality of life. Transportation systems are the predominant source of sounds outdoors. How detrimental these sounds are to human health and well-being is a subject of continuing debate. When loud enough and frequent enough, however, the sounds diminish quality of life.

Stand outside almost anywhere in the continental United States, and within a short time - probably less than 1 hour - the sound of a truck, automobile, airplane, or train will be audible. The percentage of land in each county in which the various transportation sources are likely to be heard during the daytime can be estimated from standard transportation sound levels, the routes followed by each mode, and estimates of the background sound levels throughout the continental United States.

This article discusses measures used to control noise and vibrations from aircraft traffic, road traffic, and railway traffic, such as barrier walls and landscaping.

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More Information: gulliver.trb.org/publications/trnews/trnews240noisefromUSsystem.pdf