CTDOT Traffic Noise Program

I-84 sound barrier
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) oversees traffic noise complaints along federally funded highways in the state. CTDOT guidelines are based on the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) regulation (23 CFR 772). This regulation outlines the requirements that highway agencies must meet for federally funded highway projects.

What is a Noise Barrier?

A highway sound barrier is an exterior wall built alongside a roadway or highway that interrupts the flow of sound waves from one area to another. Building a barrier wall is a common approach to mitigating highway traffic noise for nearby residents and businesses.

Check out CTDOT’s Noise Barrier Wall Fact Sheet and FHWA’s Keeping the Noise Down brochure for more information.

CTDOT’s Highway Traffic Noise Abatement Policy for Projects Funded by the FHWA includes procedures for noise studies and abatement measures to help protect the public health, welfare, and livability for Connecticut’s residents. The Noise Policy also outlines CTDOT’s implementation of federal requirements, analysis of traffic noise impacts, and proposes abatement measures, where feasible and reasonable. includes procedures for noise studies and abatement measures to help protect the public health, welfare, and livability for Connecticut’s residents. The Noise Policy also outlines CTDOT’s implementation of federal requirements, analysis of traffic noise impacts, and proposes abatement measures, where feasible and reasonable.

CTDOT constructs and maintains state owned roads, routes, and interstates. Local or town roads are maintained by the town. Town roads do not qualify for noise barriers and residential state roads usually are not feasible for the installation of noise barriers. 

The first point of contact for the resolution of local noise issues is your local government official. In some towns the local Department of Health can assist, while in others you will need to contact Town Hall to identify the appropriate official.