APPENDIX S-D

NOISE AND VIBRATION ANALYSES

HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

77 South Bedford Street 

Burlington, MA 01803 

T 781.229.0707 

F 781.229.7939 

E info@hmmh.com 

W www.hmmh.com 

TECHNI C AL M E M OR AND UM 

Subject: Desert Xpress Segment 2C Side Running Noise and Vibration Analysis 

Prepared for: John Cook, Circle Point

Prepared by: Lance Meister HMMH

Date: June 6, 2010

Reference: HMMH Job No. 301520

This technical memorandum summarizes the noise and vibration assessment of the Segment 2C Side 

Running alignment option for the Desert Xpress project. Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. was 

asked to conduct a supplementary noise and vibration assessment of the additional alignment 

alternative through Barstow. 

Affected Environment 

Existing ambient noise levels in the project area were characterized through direct measurements at 

two sites along the proposed alignment alternative during the period from October 13 through 

October 14, 2009. 

Table 1 Summary of Existing Ambient Noise Measurement Results

Site

No.

Seg. Measurement Location Description

Start of

Measurement

Meas.

Time

(hrs)

Noise

Exposure

Date Time Ldn (dBA)

LT-11 2C 27788 Church Avenue, Barstow, CA 10-13-09 11:00 24 62

LT-12 2C 1204 Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 10-13-09 13:00 24 66

Resources by Segment 

Alternative 2C

Barstow, CA: There are a number of single-family residential areas located adjacent to the 

alignment along this segment of the corridor, which is in the median of I-15. Residential areas are 

located on the west side of Barstow mostly to the south of I-15 with few to the north, and on both the 

north and south side of I-15 through the center of Barstow. In addition, there are a number of hotels 

located near the outlet mall on the southwestern edge of Barstow. In all of these areas, existing noise 

is dominated by traffic on I-15. Other noise sources affecting the background noise levels at some of 

the residential areas include distant other traffic sources and neighborhood activity. 

Site LT-11: 27788 Church Avenue - Barstow, CA. The Ldn measured over a 24-hour period in the 

back yard of this single-family residence was 62 dBA. Traffic on I-15 dominated the noise 

environment at this location. 

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 2

Site LT-12: 1204 Virginia Way - Barstow, CA. The Ldn measured over a 24-hour period in the back 

yard of this single-family residence was 66 dBA. Traffic on I-15 dominated the noise environment 

at this location. 

Effects by Segment 

Alternative 2C

Operational Period Noise - A summary of the projected noise impacts for Alternative 2C is shown 

in Tables 2 and 3 for the EMU and DEMU technology options, respectively for the side running 

alternative. A brief discussion of each area projected to have noise impact follows the tables. 

Table 2 Noise Impacts for Alternative 2C – EMU Side Running

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Days Inn, Lenwood 

Rd SB 215 62 63 58 64 Impact 65 3.6 1 0

Country Inn and 

Suites, Lenwood Rd NB 365 62 60 58 64 Impact 64 2.3 1 0

L St to H St SB 130-350 62 58-63 58 64 Impact 63-65 1.7-3.7 4 0

Grace St SB 45-150 66 61-69 61 66 Severe 67-71 1.3-5.0 7 15

Church of the 

Nazarene, Mount 

Vernon Ave

SB 45 60 71 62 68 Severe 71 11.0 0 1

Days Inn, Coolwater 

Ln SB 110 66 64 61 66 Impact 68 2.3 1 0

Western Whip Ct to 

Muriel Dr SB 60-190 66 61-68 61 66 Severe 67-70 1.2-4.0 7 8

Muriel Dr to Kelly Dr SB 50-200 66 61-69 61 66 Severe 67-70 1.2-4.7 35 9

Elephant Mountain Rd SB 170 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.6 3 0

Oak Tree Inn, Ghost 

Town Rd NB 160 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.8 1 0

Total: 60 33

Notes:

1. Noise levels are based on Ldn and are measured in dBA. Noise levels are rounded to the nearest decibel except for the increase in noise 

level, which is given to the nearest one-tenth decibel to provide a better resolution for assessing noise impact. Pred – Predicted Noise 

Levels, Imp – Impact, Sev – Severe Impact.

2. The reported noise levels represent the range of projected noise levels for each location.

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 3

Table 3 Noise Impacts for Alternative 2C – DEMU Side Running

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Days Inn, Lenwood 

Rd SB 215 62 64 58 64 Impact 66 4.2 1 0

Country Inn and 

Suites, Lenwood Rd NB 365 62 61 58 64 Impact 64 2.7 1 0

Ironwood Rd to L St. NB 225-295 62 59-60 58 64 Impact 63-64 1.9-2.5 4 0

L St to H St SB 130-775 62 59-65 58 64 Severe 63-67 1.8-5.3 11 1

Grace St SB 45-250 66 61-72 61 66 Severe 67-73 1.2-6.9 26 17

Church of the 

Nazarene, Mount 

Vernon Ave

SB 45 60 73 62 68 Severe 73 13.4 0 1

Victory Outreach, 

Grace St SB 220 60 63 62 68 Impact 65 4.8 1 0

Sandalwood Ct NB 220-325 66 61-63 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.3-1.9 12 0

Days Inn, Coolwater 

Ln SB 110 66 67 61 66 Severe 69 3.5 0 1

Western Whip Ct to 

Muriel Dr SB 60-270 66 61-70 61 66 Severe 67-71 1.4-5.4 15 14

Muriel Dr to Kelly Dr SB 50-290 66 61-71 61 66 Severe 67-72 1.3-6.5 57 14

Center Ln to Mojave 

River NB 330 66 61 61 66 Impact 67 1.3 2 0

Hacienda Ln NB 300 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.8 5 0

Elephant Mountain Rd SB 170 63 61 60 65 Impact 65 2.0 3 0

Oak Tree Inn, Ghost 

Town Rd NB 160 63 61 60 65 Impact 65 2.2 1 0

Total: 139 48

For an explanation of the notes, refer to Table 2.

Days Inn/Country Inn and Suites, Barstow – There are several motels near the outlet malls on both 

sides of the alignment near I-15. Noise impacts at this location are due to the low existing noise 

levels at this location. 

Ironwood Road to H Street, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to the south 

and north of I-15 in this area on the western side of Barstow. The noise impacts at this location are 

due to the low existing noise levels and the proximity of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 4

Grace Street, Barstow – There are a number of single-family and multi-family residences to the north 

of I-15 in this area. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the residences 

to the proposed alignment. 

Church of the Nazarene, Barstow – There is a church adjacent to the residential area on Grace St to 

the north of I-15. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the church to the 

proposed alignment. 

Victory Outreach, Barstow – There is a church adjacent to the residential area on Grace St to the 

north of I-15. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the church to the 

proposed alignment. 

Sandalwood Court, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to the south of I-15 in 

this area. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the residence to the 

proposed alignment. 

Days Inn, Barstow – There is a motel adjacent to a single-family residential area to the north of I-15 

in the center of Barstow. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the motel 

to the proposed alignment. 

Western Whip Court to Mojave River, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to 

the north of I-15 and a mobile home park and several scattered residences to the south of I-15 in this 

location. The noise impact is due to the proximity of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

Hacienda Lane, Barstow – There are several single-family residences to the south of I-15 at this 

location. The noise impact is due to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity of the 

residences to the proposed alignment. 

Elephant Mountain Road, Yermo – There are a number of single-family residences to the north of I15 at this location. The noise impact is due to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity 

of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

Oak Tree Inn, Yermo – There is a motel to the south of I-15 at this location. The noise impact is due 

to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity of the motel to the proposed alignment. 

Operational Period Vibration: The vibration assessment for Alternative 2C was based on the 

projected vibration levels from high speed rail operations. Because there are less than 70 events per 

day, the vibration criterion used for the assessment is 80 VdB. For aerial structure operations, there 

is a 10 VdB reduction in vibration levels applied to the analysis. This is due to the attenuation of 

vibration as it travels through the structure into the ground. This typically results in significantly 

lower vibration levels relative to at-grade operations. The resulting vibration levels on the side 

running alternative range from a low of 50 VdB at the largest distances to a high of 74 VdB at the 

closest residences. Therefore, there are no vibration impacts projected for Alternative 2C for the side 

running alternative. 

Mitigation Measures 

Noise: Based on the results of the noise assessment, potential mitigation locations have been 

identified based on the FRA noise criteria. The primary mitigation measure would be the 

construction of sound barrier walls to shield areas where impact is projected. For Alternative 2C 

side running, the noise barriers could be at the wayside or on the elevated structure. If feasible, the 

most effective location for barriers would be on the structure. 

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 5

However, in many of the locations along the corridor, especially in the Barstow area, the residences 

with noise impact are scattered, and mitigation by noise barriers may be impractical. At these 

locations, sound insulation or property acquisitions or easements may be the most effective ways to 

mitigate the noise impacts. This determination should be made during the design of the project. 

Table 4 indicates the approximate locations and side of track for noise mitigation, as well as the civil 

stations and the length of mitigation required for the EMU vehicle. Table 5 provides the same 

information for the DEMU vehicle. The noise mitigation locations in Tables 4 and 5 are 

preliminary, and should be refined during the design phase of the project. The locations in Tables 4 

and 5 represent areas where 4-foot high noise barriers (above top of rail) with absorptive material on 

the track side located on the elevated structure would be effective at mitigating noise from highspeed rail operations. With the inclusion of this mitigation, all noise impacts on the side-running 

alternative for Segment 2C would be eliminated. 

Table 4 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, EMU Side Running

Location Side of

Track

Align

Alt

Civil

Station

Length

(ft)

Lenwood Road NB 2C 1557 – 1563 600

Lenwood Road SB 2C 1580 – 1587 700

L Street to H Street SB 2C 1735 – 1743 800

Grace Street SB 2C 1791 – 1821 3,000

Coolwater Lane SB 2C 1882 – 1892 1,000

Western Whip Court to Kelly Drive SB 2C 1842 – 1886 4,400

Elephant Mountain Road SB 2C 2225 – 2235 1,000

Ghost Town Road NB 2C 2245 – 2255 1,000

Total 12,500

Table 5 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, DEMU Side Running

Location

Side of

Track

Align

Alt

Civil

Station

Length

(ft)

Lenwood Road NB 2C 1557 – 1563 600

Lenwood Road SB 2C 1580 – 1587 700

Ironwood Road to L Street NB 2C 1690 – 1713 2,300

L Street to H Street SB 2C 1732 – 1743 1,100

Grace Street SB 2C 1791 – 1822 3,100

Sandalwood Court NB 2C 1824 – 1842 1,800

Coolwater Lane SB 2C 1882 – 1892 1,000

Western Whip Court to Kelly Drive SB 2C 1838 – 1886 4,800

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 6

Center Lane to Mojave River NB 2C 1888 – 1891 300

Hacienda Lane NB 2C 1945 – 1955 1,000

Elephant Mountain Road SB 2C 2225 – 2235 1,000

Ghost Town Road NB 2C 2245 – 2255 1,000

Total 18,700

Vibration: There are no vibration impacts for the side running alternative; therefore no vibration 

mitigation is required. 

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

77 South Bedford Street 

Burlington, MA 01803 

T 781.229.0707 

F 781.229.7939 

E info@hmmh.com 

W www.hmmh.com 

TECHNI C AL M E M OR AND UM 

Subject: Desert Xpress Segment 2C Median Noise and Vibration Analysis 

Prepared for: John Cook, Circle Point

Prepared by: Lance Meister HMMH

Date: June 6, 2010

Reference: HMMH Job No. 301520

This technical memorandum summarizes the noise and vibration assessment of the Segment 2C 

Median alignment option for the Desert Xpress project. Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. was 

asked to conduct a supplementary noise and vibration assessment of the additional alignment 

alternative through Barstow. 

Affected Environment 

Existing ambient noise levels in the project area were characterized through direct measurements at 

two sites along the proposed alignment alternative during the period from October 13 through 

October 14, 2009. 

Table 1 Summary of Existing Ambient Noise Measurement Results

Site

No.

Seg. Measurement Location Description

Start of

Measurement

Meas.

Time

(hrs)

Noise

Exposure

Date Time Ldn (dBA)

LT-11 2C 27788 Church Avenue, Barstow, CA 10-13-09 11:00 24 62

LT-12 2C 1204 Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 10-13-09 13:00 24 66

Resources by Segment 

Alternative 2C

Barstow, CA: There are a number of single-family residential areas located adjacent to the 

alignment along this segment of the corridor, which is in the median of I-15. Residential areas are 

located on the west side of Barstow mostly to the south of I-15 with few to the north, and on both the 

north and south side of I-15 through the center of Barstow. In addition, there are a number of hotels 

located near the outlet mall on the southwestern edge of Barstow. In all of these areas, existing noise 

is dominated by traffic on I-15. Other noise sources affecting the background noise levels at some of 

the residential areas include distant other traffic sources and neighborhood activity. 

Site LT-11: 27788 Church Avenue - Barstow, CA. The Ldn measured over a 24-hour period in the 

back yard of this single-family residence was 62 dBA. Traffic on I-15 dominated the noise 

environment at this location. 

S-D-18
HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side-to-Median Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 2

Site LT-12: 1204 Virginia Way - Barstow, CA. The Ldn measured over a 24-hour period in the back 

yard of this single-family residence was 66 dBA. Traffic on I-15 dominated the noise environment 

at this location. 

Effects by Segment 

Alternative 2C

Operational Period Noise - A summary of the projected noise impacts for Alternative 2C is shown 

in Tables 2 and 3 for the EMU and DEMU technology options, respectively for the side-to-median 

running alternative. A brief discussion of each area projected to have noise impact follows the 

tables. 

Table 2 Noise Impacts for Alternative 2C – EMU Side-to-Median Running

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Days Inn, Lenwood 

Rd SB 215 62 63 58 64 Impact 65 3.6 1 0

Country Inn and 

Suites, Lenwood Rd NB 365 62 60 58 64 Impact 64 2.3 1 0

L St to H St SB 130-350 62 58-63 58 64 Impact 63-65 1.7-3.7 4 0

Grace St SB 150-170 66 61-62 61 66 Impact 67 1.3-1.5 14 0

Church of the 

Nazarene, Mount 

Vernon Ave

SB 150 60 63 62 68 Impact 65 5.2 1 0

Sandalwood Ct NB 120-180 66 62-64 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.4-2.1 9 0

Western Whip Ct to 

Muriel Dr SB 110 66 64 61 66 Impact 68 2.3 14 0

Muriel Dr to Kelly Dr SB 125-170 66 61-64 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.2-2.1 29 0

Center Ln to Mojave 

River NB 190 66 61 61 66 Impact 67 1.3 3 0

Elephant Mountain Rd SB 170 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.6 3 0

Oak Tree Inn, Ghost 

Town Rd NB 160 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.8 1 0

Total: 80 0

Notes:

1. Noise levels are based on Ldn and are measured in dBA. Noise levels are rounded to the nearest decibel except for the increase in noise 

level, which is given to the nearest one-tenth decibel to provide a better resolution for assessing noise impact. Pred – Predicted Noise 

Levels, Imp – Impact, Sev – Severe Impact.

2. The reported noise levels represent the range of projected noise levels for each location.

S-D-19
HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side-to-Median Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 3

Table 3 Noise Impacts for Alternative 2C – DEMU Side-to-Median Running

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Days Inn, Lenwood 

Rd SB 215 62 64 58 64 Impact 66 4.2 1 0

Country Inn and 

Suites, Lenwood Rd NB 365 62 61 58 64 Impact 64 2.7 1 0

Ironwood Rd to L St. NB 225-295 62 59-60 58 64 Impact 63-64 1.9-2.5 4 0

L St to H St SB 130-775 62 59-65 58 64 Severe 63-67 1.8-5.3 11 1

L St to H St NB 330 62 59 58 64 Impact 64 1.9 1 0

Grace St SB 150-250 66 61-64 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.3-2.3 22 0

Church of the 

Nazarene, Mount 

Vernon Ave

SB 150 60 66 62 68 Impact 67 7.0 1 0

Sandalwood Ct NB 120-350 66 61-66 61 66 Severe 67-69 1.2-3.3 21 2

Western Whip Ct to 

Muriel Dr SB 110-250 66 62-67 61 66 Severe 67-69 1.6-3.5 12 14

Muriel Dr to Kelly Dr SB 100-250 66 61-66 61 66 Severe 67-69 1.3-3.3 38 5

Center Ln to Mojave 

River NB 190-270 66 61-63 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.3-2.0 6 0

Hacienda Ln NB 300 63 60 60 65 Impact 65 1.8 5 0

Elephant Mountain Rd SB 170 63 61 60 65 Impact 65 2.0 3 0

Oak Tree Inn, Ghost 

Town Rd NB 160 63 61 60 65 Impact 65 2.2 1 0

Total: 127 22

For an explanation of the notes, refer to Table 2.

Days Inn/Country Inn and Suites, Barstow – There are several motels near the outlet malls on both 

sides of the alignment near I-15. Noise impacts at this location are due to the low existing noise 

levels at this location. 

Ironwood Road to H Street, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to the south 

and north of I-15 in this area on the western side of Barstow. The noise impacts at this location are 

due to the low existing noise levels and the proximity of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

Grace Street, Barstow – There are a number of single-family and multi-family residences to the north 

of I-15 in this area. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the residences 

to the proposed alignment. 

S-D-20
HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side-to-Median Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 4

Church of the Nazarene, Barstow – There is a church adjacent to the residential area on Grace St to 

the north of I-15. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the church to the 

proposed alignment. 

Sandalwood Court, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to the south of I-15 in 

this area. The noise impact at this location is due to the close proximity of the residence to the 

proposed alignment. 

Western Whip Court to Mojave River, Barstow – There are a number of single-family residences to 

the north of I-15 and a mobile home park and several scattered residences to the south of I-15 in this 

location. The noise impact is due to the proximity of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

Hacienda Lane, Barstow – There are several single-family residences to the south of I-15 at this 

location. The noise impact is due to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity of the 

residences to the proposed alignment. 

Elephant Mountain Road, Yermo – There are a number of single-family residences to the north of I15 at this location. The noise impact is due to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity 

of the residences to the proposed alignment. 

Oak Tree Inn, Yermo – There is a motel to the south of I-15 at this location. The noise impact is due 

to the low existing noise levels and the close proximity of the motel to the proposed alignment. 

Operational Period Vibration: The vibration assessment for Alternative 2C was based on the 

projected vibration levels from high speed rail operations. Because there are less than 70 events per 

day, the vibration criterion used for the assessment is 80 VdB. For aerial structure operations, there 

is a 10 VdB reduction in vibration levels applied to the analysis. This is due to the attenuation of 

vibration as it travels through the structure into the ground. This typically results in significantly 

lower vibration levels relative to at-grade operations. The resulting vibration levels on the side 

running alternative range from a low of 50 VdB at the largest distances to a high of 69 VdB at the 

closest residences. Therefore, there are no vibration impacts projected for Alternative 2C for the side 

running alternative. 

Mitigation Measures 

Noise: Based on the results of the noise assessment, potential mitigation locations have been 

identified based on the FRA noise criteria. The primary mitigation measure would be the 

construction of sound barrier walls to shield areas where impact is projected. For Alternative 2C 

side-to-median running, the noise barriers could be at the wayside or on the elevated structure. If 

feasible, the most effective location for barriers would be on the structure. 

However, in many of the locations along the corridor, especially in the Barstow area, the residences 

with noise impact are scattered, and mitigation by noise barriers may be impractical. At these 

locations, sound insulation or property acquisitions or easements may be the most effective ways to 

mitigate the noise impacts. This determination should be made during the design of the project. 

Table 4 indicates the approximate locations and side of track for noise mitigation, as well as the civil 

stations and the length of mitigation required for the EMU vehicle. Table 5 provides the same 

information for the DEMU vehicle. The noise mitigation locations in Tables 4 and 5 are 

preliminary, and should be refined during the design phase of the project. The locations in Tables 4 

and 5 represent areas where 4-foot high noise barriers (above top of rail) with absorptive material on 

the track side located on the elevated structure would be effective at mitigating noise from highS-D-21
HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side-to-Median Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 5

speed rail operations. With the inclusion of this mitigation, all noise impacts on the median to side 

running alternative for Segment 2C would be eliminated. 

Table 4 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, EMU Side-to Median Running

Location Side of

Track

Align

Alt

Civil

Station

Length

(ft)

Lenwood Road NB 2C 1557 – 1563 600

Lenwood Road SB 2C 1580 – 1587 700

L Street to H Street SB 2C 1735 – 1743 800

Grace Street SB 2C 1791 – 1812 2,100

Sandalwood Court NB 2C 1824 – 1842 1,800

Western Whip Court to Kelly Drive SB 2C 1842 – 1886 4,400

Center Lane to Mojave River NB 2C 1888 – 1891 300

Elephant Mountain Road SB 2C 2225 – 2235 1,000

Ghost Town Road NB 2C 2245 – 2255 1,000

Total 12,700

Table 5 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, DEMU Side-to-Median Running

Location

Side of

Track

Align

Alt

Civil

Station

Length

(ft)

Lenwood Road NB 2C 1557 – 1563 600

Lenwood Road SB 2C 1580 – 1587 700

Ironwood Road to L Street NB 2C 1690 – 1713 2,300

L Street to H Street SB 2C 1732 – 1743 1,100

Grace Street SB 2C 1791 – 1821 3,000

Sandalwood Court NB 2C 1822 – 1844 2,300

Western Whip Court to Kelly Drive SB 2C 1842 – 1886 4,400

Center Lane to Mojave River NB 2C 1887 – 1892 500

Hacienda Lane NB 2C 1945 – 1955 1,000

Elephant Mountain Road SB 2C 2225 – 2235 1,000

Ghost Town Road NB 2C 2245 – 2255 1,000

Total 17,900

Vibration: There are no vibration impacts for the side-to-median running alternative; therefore no 

vibration mitigation is required. 

S-D-22
HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress Barstow Side-to-Median Running Alignment Alternative Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 6, 2010 

Page 6

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

77 South Bedford Street 

Burlington, MA 01803 

T 781.229.0707 

F 781.229.7939 

E info@hmmh.com 

W www.hmmh.com 

TECHNI C AL M E M OR AND UM 

Subject: Desert Xpress Alignment Adjustment Area 8 (Segment 6B) Noise and 

Vibration Analysis 

Prepared for: John Cook, Circle Point

Prepared by: Lance Meister HMMH

Date: June 9, 2010

Reference: HMMH Job No. 301520

This technical memorandum summarizes the noise and vibration assessment of the 6B alignment 

adjustment (AAA 8) for the Desert Xpress project. Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. was asked to 

conduct a supplementary noise and vibration assessment of the additional alignment alternative 

through Las Vegas. 

Affected Environment 

Existing ambient noise levels in the project area were characterized through direct measurements at 

one site along the proposed alignment alternative during the period from July 25 through July 26, 

2006. 

Table 1 Summary of Existing Ambient Noise Measurement Results

Site

No.

Seg. Measurement Location Description

Start of

Measurement

Meas.

Time

(hrs)

Noise

Exposure

Date Time Ldn (dBA)

LT-7 6B 3075 Haleh St. Las Vegas, NV 7-25-06 19:00 24 66

Resources by Segment 

Alternative 6B

Las Vegas, NV: Noise sensitive land use along this alignment alternative includes residential areas 

on the west side of I-15, a large mobile home park on the east side of I-15 and a number of hotels 

and multi-family residences. 

Site LT-7: 3075 Haleh Street - Las Vegas, NV. The Ldn measured over a 24-hour period in the back 

yard of this single-family residence was 66 dBA. The dominant source of noise at this location was 

freeway traffic on I-15. Other noise sources included insects and local activity. 

Effects by Segment 

Alternative 6B

Operational Period Noise - A summary of the projected noise impacts for Alternative 6B is shown 

in Tables 2 and 3 for the EMU and DEMU technology options, respectively. A brief discussion of 

each area projected to have noise impact follows the tables. 

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HARRIS MILLER MILLER & HANSON INC.

Desert Xpress 6B Alignment Adjustment Noise and Vibration Analysis 

June 9, 2010 

Page 2

Table 2 Noise Impacts for Alternative 6B – EMU 

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Saffredi Ln SB 50-70 66 64-66 61 66 Impact 68-69 2.2-3.2 11 0

Deluna St SB 40-60 66 65-67 61 66 Impact/

Severe 68-70 2.6-4 11 12

Silverton Casino 

Lodge, Industrial Rd SB 80 66 66 61 66 Impact 69 3.0 1 0

Americana 5 Inn, 

Dean Martin Dr SB 55 66 67 61 66 Severe 70 4.0 0 1

Total: 23 13

Notes:

1. Noise levels are based on Ldn and are measured in dBA. Noise levels are rounded to the nearest decibel except for the increase in noise 

level, which is given to the nearest one-tenth decibel to provide a better resolution for assessing noise impact. Pred – Predicted Noise 

Levels, Imp – Impact, Sev – Severe Impact.

2. The reported noise levels represent the range of projected noise levels for each location.

Table 3 Noise Impacts for Alternative 6B – DEMU 

Location

Side 

of 

Track

Dist to 

Near 

Track

Exist. 

Noise 

Level1

Project Noise Level1

Impact 

Category

Total 

Noise 

Level1

Increase 

in Noise 

Level1

# of Impacts

Pred. 2

Impact 

Criteria

Imp Sev Imp Sev

Saffredi Ln SB 50-70 66 66-68 61 66 Severe 69-70 3.3-4.6 0 11

Deluna St SB 40-60 66 67-70 61 66 Severe 70-71 3.9-5.5 0 23

Tremezzo Bay St SB 120 66 63 61 66 Impact 67 1.8 6 0

Silverton Casino 

Lodge, Industrial Rd SB 80 66 70 61 66 Severe 71 5.8 0 1

Wigwam Ave to Blue 

Diamond Rd NB 310-460 66 61-63 61 66 Impact 67-68 1.2-1.8 290 0

Residence Inn, Dean 

Martin Dr SB 265 66 63 61 66 Impact 68 2.0 1 0

Courtyard Hotel, Dean 

Martin Dr SB 300 66 63 61 66 Impact 67 1.8 1 0

Fairfield Inn, Dean

Martin Dr SB 350 66 62 61 66 Impact 67 1.6 1 0

Americana 5 Inn, 

Dean Martin Dr SB 55 66 72 61 66 Severe 73 7.2 0 1

Motel 6, Dean Martin SB 105 66 65 61 66 Impact 68 2.7 1 0

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Desert Xpress 6B Alignment Adjustment Noise and Vibration Analysis 

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Dr

Golden Palm Hotel, 

Dean Martin Dr SB 80 66 67 61 66 Severe 69 3.5 0 1

Panorama Towers, 

Dean Martin Dr SB 300 66 63 61 66 Impact 68 2.0 3 0

Total: 303 37

For an explanation of the notes, refer to Table 2.

Saffredi Lane – There is a single-family residential development to the west of I-15 in this area. The 

noise impacts at this location are due to the close proximity of the residences to the proposed 

alignment. 

Deluna Street - There is a single-family residential development to the west of I-15 in this area. The 

noise impacts at this location are due to the close proximity of the residences to the proposed 

alignment. 

Tremezzo Bay Street - There is a single-family residential development to the west of I-15 in this 

area. The noise impacts at this location are due to the close proximity of the residences to the 

proposed alignment and the higher noise levels generated by the DEMU vehicle. 

Silverton Casino Lodge, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at 

this location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Wigwam Avenue to Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas – There is a mobile home park to the east of I15 in this area. The number of potential impacts at this location is an estimate based on aerial 

photography. The impacts are due to the high speeds and the aerial structure. 

Residence Inn, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at this 

location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Courtyard Hotel, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at this 

location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Fairfield Inn, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at this 

location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Americana 5 Inn, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at this 

location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Golden Palm Hotel, Las Vegas – There is a motel on the west side of I-15. The noise impact at this 

location is due to the proximity of the hotel to the proposed alignment and the aerial structure. 

Panorama Towers, Las Vegas – There is a group of high-rise condominiums to the west of I-15 in 

this area. The number of impacts shown is the number of buildings in the complex. A count of the 

number of residences was not possible. The noise impact at this location is due to the high speeds 

and the aerial structure. 

While the tracks have moved slightly closer to a number of the hotels on the west side of I-15 due to 

the alignment shift, the impacts are similar or reduced due to the refined design details for the aerial 

structure and the lower speeds shown in the plan and profile drawings. 

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Operational Period Vibration: The vibration assessment for Alternative 6B was based on the 

projected vibration levels from high speed rail operations. Because there are less than 70 events per 

day, the vibration criterion used for the assessment is 80 VdB. For aerial structure operations, there 

is a 10 VdB reduction in vibration levels applied to the analysis. This is due to the attenuation of 

vibration as it travels through the structure into the ground. This typically results in significantly 

lower vibration levels relative to at-grade operations. The resulting vibration levels for this 

alternative range from a low of 50 VdB at the largest distances to a high of 67 VdB at the closest 

residences. Therefore, there are no vibration impacts projected for Alternative 6B. 

Mitigation Measures 

Noise: Based on the results of the noise assessment, potential mitigation locations have been 

identified based on the FRA noise criteria. The primary mitigation measure would be the 

construction of sound barrier walls to shield areas where impact is projected. For Alternative 6B, the 

noise barriers could be at the wayside or on the elevated structure. If feasible, the most effective 

location for barriers would be on the structure. 

Table 4 indicates the approximate locations and side of track for noise mitigation, as well as the civil 

stations and the length of mitigation required for the EMU vehicle. Table 5 provides the same 

information for the DEMU vehicle. The noise mitigation locations in Tables 4 and 5 are preliminary 

only, and will be refined during the design phase of the project. The locations in Tables 4 and 5 

represent areas where noise barriers would be effective at mitigating noise from high-speed rail 

operations. 

Table 4 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, EMU

Location Side of 

Track

Align

Alt

Civil 

Station

Length

(ft)

Saffredi Ln/Deluna St SB 6B 9469 – 9531 6,200

South of Blue Diamond Rd SB 6B 9715 – 9732 1,700

South of W Tropicana Ave SB 6B 9926 – 9934 800

Total 7,700

Table 5 Potential Noise Mitigation Locations, DEMU

Location

Side of 

Track

Align

Alt

Civil 

Station

Length

(ft)

Saffredi Ln/Deluna St/Tremezzo Bay 

St SB 6B 9469 – 9548 7,900

South of Blue Diamond Rd SB 6B 9715 – 9732 1,700

South of Blue Diamond Rd NB 6B 9702 – 9732 3,000

South of W Russell Rd SB 6B 9872 – 9888 1,600

South of W Tropicana Ave SB 6B 9926 – 9942 1,600

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Harmon Ave SB 6B 9957 – 9975 1,800

Total 17,600

Vibration: There are no vibration impacts; therefore no vibration mitigation is required. 

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