Effect of distance from road intersection on developed traffic noise levels

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in traffic equivalent noise levels as distance from the road intersection increases. To achieve this objective, traffic volume and equivalent noise level were monitored at 40 signalized intersections in Amman, the capital of Jordan. An integrated sound level meter (ISLM) was used to measure 1 min equivalent noise level along all approaches of the evaluated intersections. A total of 3326 noise measurements were performed. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the variation of noise levels as distance from the intersection increases. The results indicated that equivalent noise levels were significantly affected by distance from the signal stop line. The equivalent noise levels at distances 50 and 100 m from the intersection were found to be 1.5 to 2.0 dB less than those at 0 m. While at 200, 250, and 300 m from the intersection, the monitored equivalent noise levels were found to be 3.8 to 4 dB higher than that at 0 m. At distances farther than 250 m, the measured equivalent noise levels tend to keep constant value of equivalent noise level as distance increased.Key words: noise, traffic, intersection, environment, pollution.