CHICAGO — Say what, Chicago?
A new map produced by federal researchers shows noise across the nation, with Chicago marked by reds and pinks signifying significant racket. The map reflects aviation and highway noise.
"More than 97 percent of the U.S. population has the potential to be exposed to noise from aviation and Interstate highways at levels below 50 decibels or roughly comparable to the noise level of a humming refrigerator," the National Bureau of Transportation Statistics said in a news release.
This initial map will be used to track trends and will be updated annually, the bureau said. In the future, noise from trains and ships might also be added.
Tracking noise trends may be of interest to people living near O'Hare and Midway airports.
Earlier this month, a second round of O'Hare Airport's Fly Quiet Runway Rotation program was approved. The rotation program aims to spread the burden of jet noise around the airport during overnight hours. It is set to start this spring.
See the maps below or click here to use a nationwide map: