What are the most effective ways to reduce noise pollution on urban roadways?

1 Low-noise pavement

One of the main sources of noise pollution on urban roadways is the interaction between tires and pavement. By using low-noise pavement materials and techniques, you can reduce the sound generated by friction and vibration. For example, you can use porous asphalt, rubberized asphalt, or stone mastic asphalt, which have lower noise levels than conventional dense-graded asphalt. You can also apply surface treatments, such as microsurfacing or slurry seal, to smooth out the pavement and minimize irregularities that cause noise.

2 Noise barriers

Another way to reduce noise pollution on urban roadways is to install noise barriers along the sides of the road. Noise barriers are structures that block or deflect the sound waves from the traffic and prevent them from reaching the receptors, such as buildings or people. Noise barriers can be made of various materials, such as concrete, metal, wood, or vegetation. They can also have different shapes and heights, depending on the site conditions and the desired noise reduction. However, noise barriers are not effective for all situations, as they can create visual impacts, reduce air quality, or interfere with drainage.

3 Traffic management

A third way to reduce noise pollution on urban roadways is to implement traffic management measures that control the volume, speed, and flow of vehicles. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, the frequency of braking and accelerating, and the occurrence of congestion, you can lower the noise emissions from the traffic. Some of the traffic management measures that you can use are: traffic calming devices, such as speed bumps or roundabouts; signal coordination and optimization, to improve the green time and reduce the stops; and road pricing or congestion charging, to discourage driving during peak hours.

4 Land use planning

A fourth way to reduce noise pollution on urban roadways is to consider the land use planning and zoning of the area. By integrating noise considerations into the urban planning process, you can avoid or minimize the exposure of sensitive land uses, such as residential, educational, or recreational areas, to high noise levels from the roadways. You can also create buffer zones, such as parks or open spaces, between the noise sources and the receptors. Additionally, you can enforce noise standards and regulations for new developments and retrofit existing buildings with noise insulation and ventilation systems.

5 Noise awareness

A fifth way to reduce noise pollution on urban roadways is to raise the noise awareness of the public and the stakeholders. By educating the drivers, the residents, the workers, and the decision-makers about the causes, effects, and solutions of noise pollution, you can foster a culture of noise reduction and prevention. You can also encourage the adoption of low-noise vehicles, such as electric or hybrid cars, bicycles, or public transport. Furthermore, you can involve the community in the noise monitoring and management process, and solicit their feedback and participation in the noise mitigation projects.

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?