Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Variation of Noise Level at Intersections of a Mid-Sized City in India

This study aims to determine spatial and temporal noise variation and acoustical climate at intersections. Data monitoring comprises measurement of peak and off-peak hour variations at 19 intersections between February 2020 to September 2021 in Kanpur, India. Kanpur was proposed as a smart city in 2015 under National Smart Cities Mission. This work has been part of a National Level Project "IMPRINT" to document ambient noise levels for a Tier 2 city with highly heterogeneous traffic. Noise variations are primarily influenced by traffic flow, geometric characteristics, classified volume, and honking events. Frequent stoppage of vehicles for boarding and alighting of passengers also significantly affect noise levels. The results suggest that spatial variation of noise is larger (more than15 dBA) than temporal variation (less than 5 dBA). Noise risk zones are identified based on noise level alongside intersections. Zones are classified as safe, tolerable, low risk, moderate risk, high risk, and extremely high risk zones. Noise level crosses tolerable limit at most study locations, and some locations fall in high-risk zones. The study has highlighted influence of different parameters on spatial and temporal noise variation at intersections and remedial action plans for traffic noise abatement.