Traffic Noise Evaluation and Analysis in Residential Areas of Regina

Abstract

Traffic noise produces unpleasant or unwanted sounds to the communities, which not only makes enormous noise pollution in the road areas but also detracts from the living and occupational quality of the buildings and land located near the main roads and highways. This study concerns road traffic noise impacts to the residential areas in Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan, Canada. The present study aims at establishing a methodology to comprehensively understand the effects of traffic noise to different residential areas. The relationship among noise level, traffic flow and surrounding environment is studied. Extensive measurements are carried out in various typical residential areas carefully selected within the city. Systematic evaluations on traffic noise impacts to the residential areas of Regina are performed based on the data obtained in the acoustic measurements conducted in the study. Current noise levels in the residential areas of the three categories classified for Regina are presented. A numerical relationship between the traffic noise and traffic flow are established for the residential areas of the city.