VHB thought leaders from the Air and Noise Services team, including Lizzy Duffy, Rebecca Shedd, and Chris Bajdek, will present noise abatement measures and tools to improve Massachusetts communities at the upcoming Transportation Research Board (TRB) Noise and Vibration Committee Summer Meeting from July 14-17 in Cambridge, MA. This annual meeting invites researchers to present initiatives for reducing transportation-related noise and vibration, which can impact community health, well-being, and the environment.
This year, the TRB specifically called for abstracts on the effects of noise and/or vibration on outdoor activities and the human environment. VHB thought leaders will discuss their innovative approaches and projects during the event.
Lizzy Duffy and Chris Bajdek will speak on the implementation of snow fences in Chelsea, MA as an innovative alternative to the larger noise barriers, which can be up to 25 feet tall. These five-foot solid panels mounted atop three-foot safety barriers have effectively reduced noise levels next to roads, minimized air pollution downwind, and improved roadway safety.
Rebecca Shedd will present on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Barrier Inventory Dashboard, an innovative digital platform that hosts a database of all noise abatement measures as required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Underscoring their longstanding partnership, VHB worked with MassDOT to develop the digital dashboard to address the FHWA requirement, list the locations of roadway projects, and document the locations of existing noise reduction inquiries.
Since the 1990s, VHB has been a trusted partner for noise and vibration mitigation solutions. This dedication aligns with VHB’s well-established commitment to achieving social equity and equity in the built environment. VHB continues to work closely with communities to understand their unique needs and provide forward-looking solutions.
To learn more about VHB’s air and noise pollution mitigation efforts, contact Director of Noise and Vibration Chris Bajdek or visit our Air Quality and Noise Analysis page.