How can intelligent transportation systems reduce noise pollution on highways?

1 What are ITS?

ITS are systems that use information and communication technologies (ICT) to monitor, manage, and control traffic and transportation systems. They can collect, process, and share data from various sources, such as sensors, cameras, GPS, smartphones, and vehicles. They can also provide feedback, guidance, and alerts to drivers, passengers, and operators. Some examples of ITS are adaptive traffic signals, ramp metering, variable speed limits, lane control, collision avoidance systems, traveler information systems, and smart parking systems.

2 How can ITS improve traffic flow?

One of the main sources of noise pollution on highways is the stop-and-go traffic that occurs when there are congestion, accidents, or roadworks. This causes frequent acceleration and deceleration of vehicles, which increases engine noise, tire noise, and brake noise. By improving traffic flow, ITS can reduce the amount of stop-and-go traffic and smooth the speed profile of vehicles. This can lower the noise levels and improve fuel efficiency and safety. Some of the ITS that can improve traffic flow are adaptive traffic signals, which adjust the timing and coordination of traffic lights according to real-time traffic conditions; ramp metering, which regulates the entry of vehicles to highways using signals or gates; and variable speed limits, which change the maximum speed allowed on highways according to traffic density, weather, or incidents.

3 How can ITS reduce speed variations?

Another source of noise pollution on highways is the speed variation among vehicles, which creates turbulence and aerodynamic noise. By reducing speed variations, ITS can minimize the noise generated by the interaction of vehicles and air. Some of the ITS that can reduce speed variations are lane control, which assigns different lanes for different types of vehicles or purposes, such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes, express lanes, or emergency lanes; collision avoidance systems, which warn drivers of potential hazards or collisions and suggest corrective actions or take automatic actions; and traveler information systems, which provide drivers with real-time information about traffic conditions, incidents, roadworks, or alternative routes.

4 How can ITS optimize vehicle routing?

Another way that ITS can reduce noise pollution on highways is by optimizing vehicle routing, which means finding the best route for each vehicle to reach its destination. By optimizing vehicle routing, ITS can reduce the travel distance, time, and cost of vehicles, as well as the congestion and noise on highways. Some of the ITS that can optimize vehicle routing are smart parking systems, which help drivers find and reserve parking spaces near their destinations; vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, which enable vehicles to exchange information with each other and with road infrastructure, such as traffic signals, signs, or tolls; and navigation systems, which provide drivers with optimal routes based on real-time traffic data, user preferences, and environmental factors.

5 How can ITS implement noise barriers and low-noise pavements?

Besides improving traffic conditions, ITS can also reduce noise pollution on highways by implementing noise barriers and low-noise pavements. Noise barriers are structures that block or deflect the propagation of noise from highways to nearby areas. They can be made of concrete, metal, wood, or vegetation. Low-noise pavements are pavements that have a lower noise emission than conventional pavements. They can be made of porous asphalt, rubberized asphalt, or stone mastic asphalt. Some of the ITS that can implement noise barriers and low-noise pavements are sensors, cameras, and drones, which can monitor the noise levels and the condition of the road surface; and smart materials, which can adapt their properties according to the noise levels or the traffic conditions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?