A USDOT University Transportation Center

Low-Noise Road Surfaces

Along with the type, number and speed of vehicles, the interaction between tires and pavement is generally one of the most common sources of traffic noise.1 Noise-reducing road surfaces, like open-graded or porous asphalt, can have significant benefits in decibel (dB) reductions, depending on the type of low-noise pavement.2 Numerous strategies quieter pavements for both travel lanes and shoulders have been tested, and this approach has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective noise reducing measures in urban contexts.3

Quiet asphalt pavement options can include:4
– Fine-graded surfaces
– Open-graded friction courses (OGFC)
– Rubberized asphalt
– Stone-matrix asphalt
– And others

In addition to low-noise pavements, there are other road surface modifications that can reduce traffic noise, such as quieter bridge decks or rumble strip designs.2

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Construction companies
  • Local governments
  • Policymakers
  • Transit agencies
Along with the type, number and speed of vehicles, the interaction between tires and pavement is generally one of the most common sources of traffic noise.1 Noise-reducing road surfaces, like open-graded or porous asphalt, can have significant benefits in decibel (dB) reductions, depending on the type of low-noise pavement.2 Numerous strategies quieter pavements for both travel lanes and shoulders have been tested, and this approach has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective noise reducing measures in urban contexts.3
Quiet asphalt pavement options can include:4
-Fine-graded surfaces
-Open-graded friction courses (OGFC)
-Rubberized asphalt
-Stone-matrix asphalt
-And others
In addition to low-noise pavements, there are other road surface modifications that can reduce traffic noise, such as quieter bridge decks or rumble strip designs.2

How it Helps

Traffic noise is a growing public health concern, particularly in urban areas where residents are more likely to be exposed to this environmental hazard. Constructing quieter road surfaces is an example of a source reduction strategy since it will directly minimize the level of noise emissions. Introducing noise-reducing surfaces has the potential to mitigate some of the harmful impacts associated with traffic noise, such as annoyance, sleep disturbance, cognitive impact, or other health impacts.5

Implementing

Road Pavement Properties:

Various road surface properties—including texture, porosity, air flow resistance, stiffness, climate resistance, and several others—can impact noise levels.4,6 For example, porosity can play an important role in sound absorption, where highly porous surfaces reduces the compression of air between the tires and the road. Since different low-noise pavement options will vary in these properties, it is important to consider these factors when determining which design to choose.

Potential Barriers:

One of the major downsides to low-noise road pavements is the relatively high cost when compared to conventional surfaces.3 Additionally, the durability of these surfaces may not be as high as other options. Therefore, its cost efficiency should be analyzed to determine the benefits of implementing low-noise pavement instead of other noise-reduction strategies, such as noise screens.

1. Rochat, J. L. (2016). Highway Traffic Noise. Acoustics Today, 124, 38-47. https://acousticstoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Highway-Noise.pdf
2. Rochat, J., et al. (2020). Summary of Noise-Reducing Strategies. National Cooperative Highway Research Program. https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP25-57TechMemo.pdf
3. UNEE. (2011). Quiet Road Surfaces. https://unece.org/DAM/trans/doc/2014/wp29grb/GRB-60-04e.pdf
4. Careless, J. Turning the volume down. Asphalt Magazine. http://asphaltmagazine.com/turning-the-volume-down/
5. World Health Organization. Noise. https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/noise#tab=tab_1
6. Abbott, P., et al. (2006). Guidance manual for the implementation of low-noise road surfaces. FEHRL. https://www-recette.bruitparif.fr/pages/Thematiques/900%20Bruit%20du%20trafic%20routier/400%20Autres%20ressources/2006-02-01%20-%20Guidance%20manual%20for%20the%20implementation%20of%20low-noise%20road%20surfaces%20-%20Silvia%20project%20-%20FEHRL.pdf