TITLE: Relating to noise abatement procedures on certain turnpikes.

SUMMARY: Relating to noise abatement procedures on certain turnpikes.

FULL TEXT:
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.