Red Line Crews to Monitor Noise and Vibration in the Corridor

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is conducting field work in communities as part of the Baltimore Red Line transit project. The purpose of the work is to determine the existing background noise and vibration levels in the proposed Red Line corridor. The tentative monitoring program is expected to be conducted through the end of January 2012 to document typical mid-week conditions. We do not expect this work to cause any inconvenience to residents, businesses, churches or schools.

Crews will be in the area to set up equipment, which includes both short-term and long-term noise monitors. The short-term noise monitors would include a sound level meter attached to a tripod, which would be accompanied by field staff for a period of approximately 30 minutes for each measurement period. The noise measurements would be conducted on private property typically at the facade of the house.

A long-term noise monitoring setup.	Type 1 Sound Level Meter.	A worker prepares a short-term noise monitoring setup.	An accelerometer which measures ground-borne vibration.

The long-term noise measurements would include the same equipment packed in a durable, waterproof suitcase with a battery for extended power. The long-term noise monitors would also be placed at residences but securely locked to a tree, fence post or other solid anchor to prevent any potential vandalism. No electrical power will be required from any residents for this monitoring program.

The following information should address many of the questions residents may have concerning this project:

• All MTA employees and contractors carry identification cards and are required to display them upon request.
• Since the purpose of field work is to gather data, project field personnel may not be aware of other project details and may not have answers to questions concerning the project. The project representative listed below is the best person to contact for questions about the project.
• All personnel have been trained to assure that property is not damaged in any way while conducting these studies. If damage does occur, the MTA will pay to repair it.

Monitoring will be conducted at or near the following locations:

The noise and vibration data collection and analysis is a part of the data required for the Preliminary Engineering phase of the Red Line project.

Red Line Milestone Schedule:

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact:

Tamika Gauvin
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore MD 21202
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(410) 767-0995