Noise assessment of the area of a redesigned urban expressway based on noise measurements, noise maps and noise perception interviews

The purpose of this study was to assess the noise generated by a major urban expressway (Green Line) and ascertain the influence of its propagation in the surrounding area. To this end, noise was monitored on the expressway and adjacent thoroughfares at a total of 31 measurement points. Noise mapping was also performed, and noise perception interviews were held with 397 interviewees. Noise measurements were taken using B&K 2238, B&K 2260 and B&K 2250 sound level meters. Noise mapping was performed using B&K Predictor 7810 software. The results of the noise measurements and mapping indicated that the urban expressway under study contributes significantly to noise pollution in the region, as well as to noise coming from the secondary thoroughfares. However, owing to the urban zoning of the area in question, the interviewees stated that the noise in the region does not annoy them (56%), while those that feel annoyed (44%) complained most frequently about the noise coming from the secondary thoroughfares adjacent to this major urban expressway.