Acoustic impact of the green corridor action group's urban design using acoustic mapping

Abstract

The Green Corridor is a not-for-profit organization which has proposed a green landscape concept along the roadway leading to the Ambassador Bridge, the major international crossing between Canada and the USA. In addition to improving the aesthetics of this mostly concrete and industrialized transportation route, the Green Corridor group had the added goal of wanting to improve the soundscape of the nearby neighbourhoods with innovated landscape designs. The high levels of traffic noise within the area are the result from this roadway being one of the busiest land trade corridors in the world. This study analyzed the changes proposed by the Green Corridor action group from an acoustic engineering perspective. The study first measured and modeled existing environmental noise conditions which included the implementation of a reverse engineering exercise to ensure an accurate acoustic map. This was followed by a second model to predict the expected noise levels with the implementation of the Green Corridor design proposals. As a result, this study was able to identify some areas where the proposed Green Corridor changes, if implemented, would be effective in reducing the local environmental noise levels. Other areas were identified where the proposed designs would have no positive acoustic benefit and would require additional abatement if the affected residential area were to meet provincial noise guidelines. A discussion of the benefits of good acoustic design, as well as improved noise legislation is also included. Finally, this study explored the possible physical and psychological health effects to residents living in those areas exposed to severe noise levels.