Traffic Noise under Stop and Go Conditions in Intersections – A Case Study

Whit the increasing of traffic, noise emanated from motor vehicles increases as well, which subsequently causes adding to the stress of modern city. Thus, it is needed to look for most critical areas in terms of environmental and social impact of noise. There are several critical situations for noise emanated from motor vehicles such as stop and go situation which usually occurs near junctions or at-grade intersections. This study was conducted in two locations, most common types of intersections, crossroads and Tjunctions. The highest average noise levels are recorded during Go phase for T-junction, 64.4 dB, and Drive phase for crossroad, 64 dB. It implies that the existence of intersection caused the noise level to increase. The vehicles starting to move produce more sound than when they travel at a constant speed along the intersection. It is suggested that special considerations and priority of allocating funds should be given to these critical spots.

Authors:

• Nima Jahandar
• Amin Hosseinpour
• Mohammad Ali Sahraei

Keywords:

• Crossroad
• T-junction
• Traffic Noise
• Stop and Go
• Urban noise

References:

[1] K. Jraiw, Prediction and control of road traffic noise exposure and
annoyance associated with non-free flowing vehicular traffic in urban
areas. In: Safety and environment proceedings-conference of the
Australian road research board, Part 7. Vermont South, Australia:
Australian Road Research Board; 1990. pp. 179-197.
[2] T. W. A. Ogle and R. L. Wayson, Effect of vehicle speed on sound
frequency spectra. In: Progress in noise control for industry
proceedings-national conference on noise control engineering.
Poughkeepsie, NY, USA: Institute of Noise Control Engineering; 1994.
pp. 687-692.
[3] P. Pamanikabud, Highway traffic noise prediction model for Asian
country. Vibration and noise-measurement prediction and control.
National Conference Publication Institution of Engineers; 1990.
[4] V. K. Dravitzki, Wood CWB. Application of leg type noise models for
road noise assessment in New Zealand. In: Transport proceedingsconference
of the Australian road research board. Vermont, Australia:
Transport Research Ltd; 1998. pp. 45-54.
[5] H. A. Abu Qdais and S. A. Abo-Qudais, Environmental impact
assessment of road construction project. Environmental and Ecology
Journal 2000;18:405-19.
[6] A. Calixto, F. B. Diniz, P. H. T. Zannin, The statistical modeling of road
traffic noise in an urban setting. Cities, Vol. 20, 2003. pp. 23-29.
[7] P. G. Abbott and P. M. Nelson, Converting the UK traffic noise index
LA10,18h to EU noise indices for noise mapping, Project report, TRL,
2002.