Evaluation of the impact of vehicle traffic noise in communities: Comparative study on three highways in Brazilian northeastern

The traffic noise of large highways crossing several cities in Brazil can present particularities that impact life in urban and rural space, and hence the acoustical comfort and health of the community. These aspects are not reflected in national and local standards and laws. The present study aims to characterise the sound field in the influence area of Brazilian federal highways, in the light of the legislation and local characteristics, comparing three roads in Brazilian northeastern. In the study, the sound levels verified in the urban portions of highways BR 101 (Natal/RN), BR 304 (Macaíba/RN) and BR 230 (Santa Rita/PB) were analysed through sound level measurements and traffic noise maps produced in the software Soundplan, considering the methodology proposed in NBR 10.151/2019. The comparison of the measured levels reveals that noise in areas affected by highways presents similar LAeq value, regardless of the characterisation of land use of the affected area, whose variation in noise level received by the community is influenced by topography and distance of buildings to the road. In all cases, the levels recommended by the Brazilian standard are not reached due to the norm, not considering the possible existence of highways in the areas.