Analysis of traffic noise abatement strategies

Computer simulations of traffic sound levels were performed to evaluate the probable effectiveness of several hypothetical noise abatement strategies in reducing residential exposure to traffic sound. These simulations were performed for 28 actual census tracts in six cities which were chosen to be representative of the urban United States. Results showed that limits on noise levels during acceleration for new automobiles would have only a small effect on traffic noise exposure, while limits on truck‐acceleration noise levels would have a greater effect. Nonresidential zoning along arterials was calculated to have a greater effect than automobile‐noise limits, but a smaller effect than truck‐noise limits. A hypothetical vehicle fleet including large proportions of four‐cylinder and diesel‐powered automobiles was calculated to produce slightly greater residential noise exposure than at present.