Urban traffic noise monitoring program in the city center of Thesaloniki, Greece

Abstract

This presentation describes systematic urban traffic noise measurements, at the Municipal permanent noise & air pollution monitoring station, at the commercial center of Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, for a period of more than a year (December 2003-December 2004). Mean hourly, daily, weekly and seasonally noise levels (Leq, L1, L10, L50, L90, L95) were calculated, for the above period. The mean daily value of Leq(08:00-20:00) was found equal to 72.1 dB(A), significantly higher than the national limit for transportation (road projects) set at 67 dB(A). A significant correlation of diurnal variation of noise levels and traffic volume was found at the urban city center. Also, the differences between 1989 and 2004 for traffic noise levels, at the main streets of the city with relatively high traffic loads are presented. The measurements show that the city of Thessaloniki has a significant traffic noise problem, due to the recorded 5, 4% annual increase of traffic volume.