Strategic noise plan of Athens - Introducing a large scale action plan at the historic centre

Abstract

The mapping of environmental noise as defined in Directive 2002/49/EC was incorporated into the Greek institutional framework with the Joint Ministerial Decision 13586/724/B/Official Gazette/384/28.3.2006. This paper concerns the: "SNM & NAP for the Athens Agglomeration including both the Municipality of Athens and the adjacent Municipality of Filothei - Psychiko. Within this analysis a highly important urban project concerning the rehabilitation of "Panepistimiou street" and the extension of the existing Tramway line (TRAM S.A.), introducing additional mass media transportation means arrangements, associated with a full reconstruction of the historical centre of Athens, was the basis for the proposed Noise Action Plan. This Action Plan aims at developing quiet areas in the centre in conjunction with the extension improvement, track systems and transportation. Both Strategic Noise Map (SNM) & Noise Action Plan (NAP) provided highly correlated measured vs theoretical values of Lden & Lnight indicators in the urban area under examination. Under the current framework, the total number of persons living in dwellings exposed to noise zones/bands: 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and> 75 dB(A) for Lden, and 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and > 70 dB(A) respectively for Lnight at a height of 4,0m above the ground was fully assessed, for both SNM & NAP based on a detailed digital terrain/Building model (DTM) with the most accurate traffic data.