83R6389 JRR-D
By: Burkett H.B. No. 2815
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to noise abatement procedures on certain turnpikes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 366, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 366.186 to read as follows:
Sec. 366.186. (a) An authority shall conduct a study and
an analysis of traffic noise in a neighborhood on receipt of a
petition requesting the study. The petition must:
(1) state the segment of a turnpike project that is at
least 1,000 feet in length for which the study is sought; and
(2) be signed by at least 70 percent of the property
owners who reside within 1,000 feet of the segment.
(b) Not later than six months after receiving a petition
under Subsection (a), an authority shall publish the results of a
study conducted under that subsection.
(c) An authority shall erect a sound barrier wall adjacent
to a neighborhood if the study finds:
(1) an exterior noise decibel level of 60 dBA Leq or
more on land used for a picnic area, a recreation area, a
playground, an active sports area, a park, a residence, a motel, a
hotel, a school, a church, a library, or a hospital; or
(2) an interior noise decibel level of 45 dBA Leq or
more on land used for a residence, a motel, a hotel, a school, a
church, a library, or a hospital.
(d) An authority required to erect a sound barrier under
this section shall begin construction not later than the 30th day
after the date the authority publishes the results of the study.
(e) A sound barrier erected under this section must be
located immediately adjacent to the turnpike and must have a height
of not less than 10 feet.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.