Confirmatory Noise Study
Following completion of the West Calgary Ring Road, now that traffic patterns have normalized on the highway, a confirmatory noise study is being conducted to measure noise levels.
Capture of noise measurements is being completed by a qualified noise engineering firm in accordance with the provincial noise guidelines. Noise attenuation will be considered if sound levels exceed a 24-hour weighted average of 65 decibels (dBa Leq24).
Residents directly adjacent to the Transportation Utility Corridor (TUC) along West Calgary Ring Road may be contacted to request permission to allow noise measurement to be taken from within their property. Measurement of noise is completed using specialized equipment which remains in place for approximately 24-48 hours. The duration of measurement is dependent on external factors including weather conditions like precipitation and wind.
Efforts to accommodate requests from the public for noise measurement at homes or locations within the study limits will be considered. However, given the scope of the study and the likelihood that there may be multiple requests in the same area, the locations where noise is measured will be at the discretion of the noise engineers completing the study.
Once the study has begun, it will take several weeks to complete. The results will be shared with the public via the project website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the locations for noise measurement determined?
Locations for noise monitoring are determined by sound engineers completing the study using previous sound modeling data. Each location is selected to maximize measurement of sound coming from the roadway.
Where can I request the measurement at my property as part of this study?
Requests for post study measurements will be considered if they are located within the study limits however the locations for noise measurement are set by sound engineers completing the study. The study limits include areas which were constructed as part of the West Calgary Ring Road project.
Noise measurement will be completed at the edge of the TUC, in order to accurately measure noise from the highway. Requests from residents for additional points within a community cannot be accommodated.
Why is the noise monitoring equipment placed 1.2 metres above ground?
Placement of measuring equipment is 2 metres from the property line, and 1.2 metres above ground level, based on the provincial noise guidelines. The use of a consistent location for noise measurement allows for accurate and repeatable results across all noise studies completed within the province.
What happens if the results of the study indicate noise attenuation is warranted?
At this time, no additional noise attenuation projects are planned for construction along the West Calgary Ring Road. Any future work identified as a result of the study would be programmed for construction based on overall provincial priorities and funding availability.
The design of any noise attenuation, if it is to be constructed, is based on site conditions, design constraints, and the use of the TUC.
Why do the Provincial Noise Guidelines vary from the City of Calgary’s?
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors’ noise attenuation guideline allows for the placement of noise attenuation structures next to urban residential areas. The guideline is consistent with many other jurisdictions across North America and is intended to ensure a fair way of providing noise attenuation to Albertans.
Noise attenuation already exists near my home, why do I still hear the road?
Noise attenuation is intended to mitigate some of the noise from the highway so that noise is below the provincial threshold of a 24-hour weighted average of 65 decibels (dBa Leq24) at the standardized monitoring position. Noise attenuation cannot remove all noise generated from the highway.