According to an EU directive, conurbations with more than 100,000 inhabitants are obliged to carry out noise abatement planning, including the preparation of noise maps and a noise action plan. This also applies to the city of Moers, which has commissioned the BERNARD Gruppe to update the noise mapping and prepare the subsequent noise action plan.
The main focus of the project is on the calculation and assessment of the prevailing road traffic noise. In a first step, extensive traffic surveys in the urban area will be carried out, including more than 50 intersections. The surveys are scheduled for April 2023. On the basis of these surveys, raster noise maps will be drawn up showing, among other things, areas that are affected by noise, as well as the number of affected people, homes, schools and hospitals by sound level categories.
Based on the results of the noise mapping, an action plan will be developed. During the entire process, there will be an early and intensive involvement of the public, so that citizens and public interest groups are given the opportunity to participate. According to the EU-wide deadline, the noise action plan (Round 4) is to be completed by summer 2024.
Frost Uwe, BERNARD Gruppe
Photo: Symbol image – training – SoundPLAN