A method of developing regional road traffic noise management strategies

Road traffic noise management strategies or noise action plans are a necessary tool for pro-active road traffic noise management. A method is proposed for regional scale noise action plans, in part using noise mapping, which is flexible towards various data qualities. A six step method is proposed which links GIS data to road traffic noise calculation methods with the final strategies being presented in GIS format. A ‘Parcel Priority Index’ and a ‘Link Priority Index’ are presented as key variables in the production of regional strategies and planning visions on a road link basis. The noise management strategy method presented is used on a large regional area in South East Queensland, Australia which covers seven local government areas. The results presented indicate the method is successful in prioritising road links equitably for detailed road traffic noise management actions.