Assessment of Motor Vehicle Noise Levels on the Territory of New Residential Complexes in Voronezh City

Introduction: Adverse human health effects of motor vehicle noise, which levels are the highest in urban areas, are considered in many foreign and domestic studies.
Objective: To establish the zone of acoustic discomfort related to motor vehicle noise on the territory of new residential complexes in the city of Voronezh.
Materials and methods: Using the “Assistant” sound level meter (accuracy class 1), we conducted 72 noise measurements at 36 monitoring points within the 20.5 hectare area of two residential complexes at distances of 7.5, 50, 100, 200, 300, 350, and 430 meters from the four-lane highway, the main local source of traffic noise. The measurements were taken in May 2023 on working days (Monday to Friday) in the daytime and at night.
Results: We have established that modern urban planning technologies and solutions used in the construction of new residential complexes are unable to eliminate the zone of acoustic discomfort. According to the results of field measurements, the equivalent noise level along the highway in the daytime exceeds permissible levels by 17.8–19.7 dBA and at night – by 22.6–25.7 dBA. The noise limit is also exceeded in the inner yard (on the playground, in the recreation area). The significant area of the study object is almost completely affected by traffic noise at the distances of up to 100 m and 200 m in the daytime and at night, respectively, which creates an unfavorable acoustic environment that has a negative impact on the local residents.
Conclusions: To reduce the area of the acoustic discomfort zone, it is recommended to take measures to reduce traffic intensity in the study area by developing the road network and public transport system, prohibiting motorcycle and freight traffic on this street, especially at nighttime, improving landscaping of the adjoining territory, and installing transparent noise barriers that will prevent noise transfer between houses to the inner territory of the residential complex and the lower floors of the buildings.

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