Traffic noise impact assessment of metropolitan transportation infrastructure development

Abstract

Development of transportation infrastructure in metropolitan cities in India is taking place in a massive way. Construction of flyovers, widening of major road network, operation of urban freeways are some of the major transportation infrastructures developed which have significant environmental impact in terms of traffic noise. This paper deals with the development of traffic noise prediction models in the context of such development. It includes the traffic noise prediction models developed for Delhi City by adopting the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USA and Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CORTN), UK models for local conditions. A detailed traffic noise study has been undertaken at twenty three locations in Delhi. At the identified locations traffic volume, traffic speed and ambient noise level data has been predicted using FHWA and CORTN models. Traffic Noise Prediction models were calibrated and validated for different land use zones in Delhi. A suitable model has also been finally recommended for Delhi.