
Noise is an almost unavoidable result of the operation of transportation and other infrastructure systems. Trains, planes, and automobiles produce noise that can be a warning but is mainly a source of annoyance and sometimes health risk to neighbors, riders, and employees. Measurement and management of transportation noise are complex tasks requiring an understanding of physics, technology, human perception, and economics. To introduce us to some of the problems, methods, and interventions for addressing transportation noise we talk with Dr. Hugh Saurenman, president of ATS consulting, which conducts acoustic evaluations and develops mitigation strategies for transportation facilities.