INVESTIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE EMISSION IN DYNAMIC TRAFFIC CONDITIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRAFFIC STREAM CHARACTERISTICS AND LOCATIONAL ATTRIBUTES

This empirical study examines the contributory factors of the environmental noise generated by traffic. The degree of variance in Noise descriptors and Indicators is studied and analyzed for both at and above grade links of flyovers to establish a correlation with its causative factors. Noise measurements were taken on weekdays three times a day during peak hours and carried out at 24 locations both at grade and above grade. The study reveals ambient noise levels, other noise descriptors, and noise indicators were above permissible levels for the land use. The study also revealed that major contributor to noise emission from vehicles traveling on access controlled links was higher, followed by volume and density. The study also revealed that noise levels were significantly lower on at grade locations than those above grade locations of the flyover with a standard deviation of 3- 4 dB(A). The land use zones abutting the flyover areas studied were residential, educational and hospital zones which further indicate that high speed volumes of traffic through sensitive neighbourhoods should be avoided. The study results are significant to understand and identify factors contributing to noise intense environments which are a potential hazard and detrimental to the health and well-being of users. The study is also an aid to stakeholders for planning, drafting policies, conducting an ex-ante assessment as well as decision making in mitigation strategies or projects