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Modeling and Mitigation of Road Traffic Noise in a Major Hub for Urban Sustainability: A Case Study of Kocaeli, Türkiye

Author

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  • Hediye Tan

    (Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Türkiye)

  • Mehmet Salim Oncel

    (Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Türkiye)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to model traffic noise from the D-100 (a major national highway) and TEM (Trans-European Motorway), a major hub in Türkiye. This study models traffic noise from the D-100 and TEM using SoundPLAN software (NMPB-96 methodology) to identify legal levels and evaluate mitigation strategies. The model was verified locally with absolute errors of 1.3–1.7 dB(A). Impact analyses based on the L den and Lnight (L n ) indicators have revealed that sensitive areas (e.g., dwellings, schools and hospitals) are exposed to noise levels that considerably exceed legal limits, primarily due to heavy vehicle traffic during the night-time hours. Two different noise mitigation scenarios were applied to the baseline model for addressing noise exposure. As a result, noise levels were reduced by approximately 4 dB(A). The number of residences exposed to excessive noise above 75 dB(A) decreased from 10,898 to 4451 (59%). A significant increase in acoustic comfort is achieved by reducing the number of dwellings in the 70–75 dB(A) contour range during night-time hours. The results indicate the need for integrated traffic management and infrastructure improvements for sustainable urban noise control.

Suggested Citation

  • Hediye Tan & Mehmet Salim Oncel, 2026. "Modeling and Mitigation of Road Traffic Noise in a Major Hub for Urban Sustainability: A Case Study of Kocaeli, Türkiye," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:12:p:6143-:d:1967771
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