Transport noise and vibration can cause a range of impacts on people and communities from general interference with everyday activities to more significant effects such as sleep disturbance. We have developed a State highway environmental and social responsibility planState highway environmental and social responsibility plan that addresses these effects.
Standards, guidelines and specifications
This page sets out the key documents which detail our requirements and provide guidance with respect to noise and vibration impacts.
Road-traffic noise assessment
This section provides an introduction to the New Zealand standard for road-traffic noise and our procedures and resources for assessment of state highway projects. There is information about our assessment guide and tools.
Approach to the management of noise and vibration
Our approach to the management of noise and vibration is set out in Technical Memorandum NV3 NV3State highway noise and vibration management , for:
- Noise and vibration from vehicles on new and altered state highways affecting nearby protected premises and facilities (PPFs)
- Noise and vibration from vehicles on existing state highways affecting nearby PPFs
- New PPFs being affected by noise and vibration from existing and designated future state highways
- Noise and vibration from state highway construction and maintenance affecting nearby PPFs.
Standards, guidelines and specifications
This section sets out the key documents which detail our requirements and provide guidance with respect to noise and vibration impacts, including:
State highway noise and vibration (NV3)Noise mitigation specification (P40)Guidance for new houses near state highwaysRoad-traffic noise assessment guide
Road-traffic noise assessment
This section provides an introduction to the New Zealand standard for road-traffic noise and our procedures and resources for assessment of state highway projects.
New Zealand Standard NZS 6806Assessment guideScreening toolRoad-traffic noise calculator
Barriers
Noise barriers (bunds and walls) are the most widely recognised form of noise mitigation used by for state highways. There is information in this section about cost calculators and case studies.
Surfaces
The type and condition of a road surface can have a significant effect on the noise levels experienced by residents adjacent to state highways.
Buildings
Road-traffic noise is generally assessed and mitigated outside of buildings, however sometimes treatment of buildings is required. There is information about our assessment guide, specification and calculator.
Construction and maintenance noise
We have prepared a number of resources to assist staff, consultants and contractors in the management of construction and maintenance noise and vibration.
Planning
Land use planning attempts to address noise in a strategic manner. It can provide consistency and certainty when implemented early in the planning process. Land use planning approaches to control the effects of noise can occur at a national, regional or district/city level and can be complemented by other measures such as bylaws (for example restrictions on engine braking) and urban design. There is information about land use planning and reverse sensitivity.
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz .