Traffic noise is a major environmental concern and a source of an ever-increasing level of discomfort particularly in urban areas with traffic congestion. In a microscopic noise model for urban areas both the noise sources and the noise propagation have to be modeled. The main objective of our study was the integration of a very detailed traffic microsimulation model (HUTSIM) with an accurate and commonly used model of noise dispersion (Nordic Traffic Noise Computing Model). This integration enables more accurate estimations of traffic noise in changing situations in urban areas. The use of computer simulation rather than case studies or physical models should provide a greater degree of reliability and flexibility to the results achieved. This study is a part of the DIANA-project (Development of Integrated Air Pollution Modeling Systems for Urban Planning), where the aim is to create a model that would be accurate in modeling urban air quality and its changes depending on the traffic situation. The noise study is made at HUT in cooperation with the Laboratory of Transportation Engineering and the Department of Environmental Sciences at University of Kuopio. The microsimulation model used in this study is HUTSIM, which is developed at Helsinki University of Technology. The results are analyzed by using graphs produced by HUTSIM-analyzer. The approach of developed noise distribution model is macroscopic and the main input parameters are speed limit, traffic flow and the distribution of vehicles. The results were calculated in the application phase. Dividing each approach and departure direction at the intersection area in smaller, ten metres, elements carries out the observation of traffic at the intersections. Each of these elements is then studied separately by using the Nordic Traffic Noise Computing Model. The main benefit of the developed method is that more accurate information is obtained of the traffic situation. For the covering abstract see ITRD E128239.
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