Traffic Noise Assessment in the Main Roads of Sanandaj, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the traffic noise (LAeq(15 min)) and traffic flow in the Pasdaran road and Keshavarz road of Sanandaj, Iran. The vehicles including car-pickups, minibus-vans, truck-buses and motorcycles passing through the roads are considered. The results show that day average and night average of LAeq(15 min) values were 73.34 dBA and 72.59 dBA respectively, higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) outdoor environmental noise guidelines. The highest mean value of LAeq(15 min) was recorded as 74.05 dBA. It was found, minibus-vans and truck-buses were mainly responsible for producing traffic noise in these roads. In conclusion, the most important element to reduce traffic noise in the two main roads is to impose control programs on the two groups of vehicles. Furthermore, it is suggested to use sound barriers along the two roads of Sanandaj city.