Author(s)

F. Uysal & E. Tinmaz

Abstract

This study concerns analysis and evaluation of traffic noise in the Trakya region of Turkey. Road traffic noise is one of the most significant sources of noise pollution in this region. Measurements of traffic noise levels in the Trakya region indicated that noise levels in this region were higher than those set by the Turkish Noise Control Regulations. This paper presents the results of the road traffic noise measurements, traffic noise characteristics of the Trakya region, Turkish noise standards and policy and noise mitigation strategies aiming for quiet cities. 1 Introduction The impact of road traffic noise, which has far-reaching and wide-ranging effects, has increased because of industrialization and urbanization resulting in an increase in noise levels. Thus, road traffic noise has become an issue of immediate concern to many authorities [1]. Traffic noise surveying and analysis was performed along the main roads in urban areas of the Trakya region of Turkey. The Trakya region lies in the northwest of Turkey. There are three provinces, Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and Edirne in the Trakya region. Lüleburgaz Town of Kırklareli and Çorlu and Çerkezköy Towns of Tekirdağ are in the area, where industrialization has developed rapidly. The economy of these towns, until 30 years ago, was agricultural based. Although good transportation facilities, which are E-5 Highway, TEM Motorway, Çorlu Airport, Harbour of Marmara Ereğlisi and railway, are one of the main reasons for industrialization, these are also one of the main reasons for noise pollution. Along with economic growth of

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