Updates to MnDOT noise requirements
By: Pete Wasko, Environmental Modeling and Testing Unit Chief, Office of Environmental Stewardship and Elisa Bottos, State Aid Project Delivery Engineer
MnDOT has recently completed a minor update to our noise requirements. The new requirements take effect on January 1, 2026. You can find the new requirements, update summary, and implementation plan on the noise analysis website. Some of the updates include changes to the cost effectiveness value and assumed barrier costs, changes to trail modeling, and updates to the worst-case noise hour. Additional guidance section was also update. These updates apply to Type 1 projects which are defined as projects on a new location, have significant changes in alignment or increase the number of through lanes. Type 1 projects must comply with regulation 23 CFR 772 and will require a traffic noise analysis, evaluation of noise abatement measures and coordination with local planning officials about noise impacts of proposed project.