Traffic Management as a Means of Protection Against Road Noise

Abstract

Road noise pollution constitutes one of the primary health threats to residents living near roads. An important aspect is the limitation and counteraction of excessive exposure to road noise. Existing protection measures vary in effectiveness and applicability. One of the potential solutions involves activities related to traffic management. Based on a review of current knowledge and own analyses, the authors propose noise protection measures focused on the noise source. In the monograph 'Modelling and Assessment of Solutions for Protection Against Road Noise' (2017), Bohatkiewicz J. suggested a classification of noise protection measures, where one group involves reducing noise in the emission zone through: optimizing communication efficiency, planning and managing parking zones, organizing, slowing down and directing traffic, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) management and direction systems, traffic calming, and rerouting and combining traffic on certain connections related to traffic organization. Existing relationships between road traffic conditions and road noise allow for the selection and application of the aforementioned measures. To verify this thesis, the authors conducted studies and analyses on the impact of road traffic conditions on the noise level. To determine these conditions, the Highway Capacity Manual 6th method was used. Meanwhile, road noise was determined based on simulations using the NMPB-Routes and CNOSSOS-EU models. Traffic management, as well as the potential introduction of autonomous vehicle traffic, can lead to a reduction in road noise emissions. Most research and analysis rely on computer simulation results, due to the small share of autonomous vehicles in current traffic. However, an increase in the number of autonomous vehicles can positively affect road traffic capacity and safety by increasing vehicle flow capabilities. In scenarios of autonomous vehicle traffic, two basic parameters play a key role: speed and vehicle spacing. By optimizing these parameters, the environmental impact can be minimized. A detailed examination of the impact of road traffic conditions will contribute to the development of new methods for protection against road noise. Choosing appropriate traffic and vehicle management scenarios can significantly reduce road noise emissions.