Truck Noise Reduction in the Vail Valley

Objectives -- CMCA and The Town of Vail (TOV) are collaborating on a project to reduce highway noise through the Vail Valley. Concerns regarding noise generated from un muffled engine brakes prompted the Town of Vail to propose a ban on engine brakes. Through many discussions and meetings, the CMCA and the Town of Vail came to an agreement to work together toward a solution, rather than penalizing the trucking industry. A summary of this project follows.

1. EDUCATION
Mountain Driving Education Program

CMCA and the TOV will cooperatively work on an information program with trucking companies utilizing the I-70 corridor to ensure safe driving. The program will emphasize the importance of speed compliance, use of chains and the appropriate use of engine brakes. Additional involvement by the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Transportation will be encouraged and efforts to add a “your speed is” radar display component to the variable message signs at mile marker 177 and 173 will be pursued by both parties. CMCA will work with the TOV to expand its trucker education program to include brochures, CDs and other materials which will better inform drivers on how to safely operate through the mountains. The CMCA will assist toward the education component and will join the TOV in working with state and federal agencies to procure additional funding for this effort, if needed.

 

2. ENFORCEMENT
Increased Speed Enforcement

CMCA and the TOV will work together and advocate greater enforcement of existing speed limits by the State Patrol and the Vail Police Department for all vehicles on I-70 through the area. Both parties shall make a formal request to the State Patrol for greater enforcement activities.

Increased Enforcement of Current State Law Requiring Mufflers on Vehicles with Engine Brakes
CMCA and the TOV will seek greater enforcement of the existing state law which requires that trucks with engine brakes (jake brakes) have mufflers. This law provides a $500 fine for any truck with an engine brake and not having a muffler. Both agencies will ask the Ports of Entry staff at the Dumont and Loma (near Grand Junction on I-70) Ports of Entry to strictly enforce this law. As part of this effort, town officials will seek to effectively enforce the state law on local roadways and job sites within the TOV. Further, CMCA and TOV will ask that roadside safety

Engine Brake Muffler Legislation in Other States
The Colorado Legislature with the assistance of CMCA was the first state in the country to pass a tough measure citing trucks without a muffler and possessing an engine brake. CMCA has worked with its affiliates in other states for passage of a similar measure which will further reduce the numbers of loud trucks passing through our state. Already, Montana and Nevada have passed the same law and several other states are considering it. As part of this agreement, CMCA agrees to work with its affiliates in other states for the passage of this measure requiring mufflers on trucks with engine brakes.

Investigate Legislation Regarding Failure to Maintain or Alter a Muffler
Current state law provides a nominal ($15) fine for vehicles which may not possess a muffler or have a faulty muffler, both contributing to significantly high noise levels. Under this MOU, CMCA in conjunction with the TOV will explore the development of state legislation which could provide for increased penalties for failure to maintain or alter a muffler. This legislation would apply to all vehicles (automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, etc.).

 

3. ENGINEERING
Noise Monitoring

CMCA will seek to obtain a noise meter for the TOV to measure noise levels on I-70 as well as within the community. TOV, with the consent of CMCA, will seek third party technical assistance to establish baseline measurements for noise levels associated with various types of vehicles with the intent to develop an enforceable maximum decibel standard. The third party will also work with the TOV to ensure that staff is trained in the proper use of such meters. In addition, the third party shall conduct scheduled noise tests to evaluate the ongoing effectiveness of all mitigation efforts. CMCA and the TOV agree to work on this effort and will meet with the third party to agree on the scope of work and the duration of measurements.

 

Pilot Decibel Reduction Project
Using the identified research, CMCA and TOV will jointly evaluate whether a maximum decibel standard for all vehicles passing through Vail could be developed based on EPA noise standards for trucks and other vehicles. Any decibel-oriented ordinance would apply to all vehicles on the corridor.

Temporary Noise Barriers
TOV and CMCA will explore the use of temporary noise barriers (trailers) as a 30-day experimental program to measure noise reduction impacts prior to construction of permanent noise barriers. This program will use the T-Rex noise abatement actions as a model. CMCA will seek the necessary trailers for this project. The TOV will assume liability for these trailers while in use during the experiment.

Noise Wall Funding
CMCA will work with TOV to begin discussions with state and federal officials to seek funding for a phased noise wall program. CMCA along with TOV officials will meet with state and federal officials to explore various avenues for funding.

National Research
CMCA agrees to pursue with the American Trucking Associations a study on overall noise levels associated with trucks and measures that may be taken to mitigate such noise.

 

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