Abstract :
The public, increasingly well-informed about the problem of excessive noise, is taking
actions for the development of new transport infrastructure projects and improvement of
existing infrastructure. In addition, many countries have implemented mandatory
Environmental Impact Assessment procedures. As a result, the construction of sound
barriers has become a common measure, which can be used by an agency to mitigate
potentially significant noise impacts. A sound barrier, eventually, will become part of the
surrounding landscape and could be a cause of impact for ecosystems, the road users and
those who live alongside the road. Basically, this article discusses these potential effects in
the context of environmental assessment procedures. In addition, results of a pilot survey
conducted at a residential area affected by the construction of a barrier are presented.
Although most residents felt that sleeping conditions improved after the barrier was built,
most important negative reactions are the loss of sunlight and visual impact.
