SB 5313 - DIGEST

     Directs the department of transportation to develop criteria to be used for evaluating and prioritizing noise mitigation projects.  The adopted criteria should be consistent with federal standards for noise abatement, and must at a minimum consider the current level of noise in the affected area, the number of persons who would benefit from a reduction in noise, the reduction in decibels resulting from the mitigation project, and the project cost.

     Directs the department to commence three pilot projects:

     (1) A feasibility study and project design of a means for reducing noise reflected from an overhead structure, such as a bridge deck.  This pilot project should be located in the Puget Sound region;

     (2) Noise mitigation retrofitting on a highway where lane widening is currently planned, and where the noise mitigation structure can be constructed at substantial cost savings by proceeding concurrently with highway improvements.  This pilot project should be located in eastern Washington;

     (3) Noise mitigation retrofitting in an area adjacent to a six-lane, fully controlled, limited access highway, where the mitigation site is located within one-quarter of a mile from an interchange.  This pilot project should be located in western Washington, outside the greater Puget Sound region.