Environmental Road Traffic Noise Evaluation In

Environmental Road Traffic Noise Evaluation in selected locations, at “PATHE Section: Maliakos- Kleidi” Motorway: A comprehensive Environmental Noise Monitoring Program

Thomai Evagelou Integrated Management System & Internal Audit Manager, Aegean Motorway S.A. Georgia Gerolymatou Postgraduate student Laboratory of Transportation Environmental Acoustics (L.T.E.A.), Faculty of the Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece. Konstantinos Vogiatzis Associate Professor, Laboratory of Transportation Environmental Acoustics (L.T.E.A.), Faculty of the Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece. Dr. Vassiliki Zafiropoulou Researcher Laboratory of Transportation Environmental Acoustics (L.T.E.A.), Faculty of the Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

Summary Aegean Motorway S.A. has recently completed the design and construction phase of “Maliakos – Kleidi” Motorway Project on PATHE, and has entered the operation and maintenance phase of the 30- year long concession. The Project entails, among others, the planning, design, financing and construction of a new 25-kilometer motorway, which includes eleven (11) km of twin tube tunnels, the rehabilitation of 230 km of existing motorway and finally the operation and maintenance of a 230 km motorway + 35 km of the Old National Road between Evangelismos and Skotina. In 2015, Aegean Motorway conducted a Special Environmental Noise Evaluation Study, recording noise levels at 10 locations along the motorway and considering appropriate noise reduction measures where required in compliance with European Directive 2002/49. Accurate noise models were developed based on detailed DTM (Digital Terrain Model) ground models using the "NMPB-Routes-96 (SETRA-CERTU- LCPCCSTB)" calculation method and incorporating the latest road traffic data. Protection of affected areas from increased environmental noise levels was achieved with the implementation of reflective transparent noise barriers. The Environmental Road Traffic Noise Monitoring Program for 2017 additionally considered fifteen 24-hour noise measurements (on hourly analysis) at specific geographic locations along the motorway (one 24-hour cycle per geographic location), using special automotive noise monitoring stations equipped with state-of-the-art statistical noise analyzers appropriately configured to meet the requirements of the European Directive. The paper presents the results of the actual noise against the expected environmental noise reduction deriving from the implementation of the noise barriers.

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1. Introduction1 More particularly, the Project Aegean Motorway has undertaken consists of [1]: Aegean Motorway signed a Concession Agreement with the State for the design, construction,  The reconstruction and upgrade/ rehabilitation financing, operation, maintenance and exploitation of the existing motorway extending over 230 of PATHE Motorway, “Maliakos – Kleidi” section.

km from Raches, Fthiotida Prefecture to Kleidi, Table I. Noise results of noise monitoring program of Imathia Prefecture, year 2015.  The construction of a new motorway section of 25 km, from Evangelismos - Larissa Prefecture Control Lden Lde Lnight to Skotina - Pieria Prefecture, which includes location dB (A) dB(A) dB(A) amongst other, 3 twin tunnels, 20 bridges and 1 71.8 70.2 61.9 structures, 2 71.2 68.8 63.0  The construction and operation of 5 new 4 68.3 65.6 59.9 Motorist Service Stations,  The construction of 3 new interchanges, the 5 68.6 66.5 58.9 Northern Katerini I/C, the Korinos I/C and the 6 67.1 62.8 59.8 Aiginio I/C, 11 65.7 62.5 57.5  The operation of the motorway for 30 years via 12 67.5 63.6 60.0 a fully equipped Management Centre and lastly, 13 69.6 67.6 60.6  The maintenance of the existing motorway for 15 74.8 72.5 66.0 30 years according to the international safety 16 71.1 67.4 63.5 specifications. 17 70.6 66.6 63.2 18 73.2 68.4 65.9 For the protection of the residents living adjacent 20 71.6 67.4 64.2 Aegean Motorway, the company has put in place an annual Noise Monitoring Program. Within the 21 70.5 65.5 63.5 framework of the Noise Monitoring Programs of the 22 62.8 55.9 56.3 years 2014, 2015 and 2016, 17 (seventeen) 24hour 23 63.3 58.0 56.2 noise level recordings were taken with hourly 24 71.0 67.8 62.9 analysis so as to estimate the noise levels generated from the operation of the motorway [2]. After analyzing the results using special software, excess Table II. Noise results of noise monitoring program of noise levels were observed at 10 (ten) control year 2016. locations. Values are indicatively illustrated in Control L L L tables I and II below for years 2015 and 2016 den de night location dB (A) dB(A) dB(A) respectively. According to these tables, the results of the noise measurements at control locations are 1 71.3 67.5 63.6 similar for the two continuous years. According to 2 70.3 66.2 62.5 the European Directive 2002/49/EC, threshold 4 68.6 65.4 60.8 values for the Lden and Lnight indicators are 70 dB(A) 5 66.7 62.3 59.5 and 60 dB(A) respectively. Moreover, at the 6 68.8 65.7 61.0 remaining 7 (seven) control locations shown in tables I and II, noise levels are close to the statutory 11 65.7 62.4 57.8 12 67.1 63.2 59.6 limits of Lden and Lnight with possible exceedance of thresholds in the case of an increase in the vehicle 13 68.0 65.2 60.2 speed or road traffic volume. On the basis of this 15 77.4 72.8 70.3 finding, a Special Environmental Noise Evaluation 16 72.2 67.2 65.4 Study was carried out for the implementation of 17 71.8 67.5 64.4 appropriate mitigation measures at locations that 18 74.4 69.6 67.2 exceedances were observed [3]. Installation of 20 72.8 67.4 65.9 appropriate transparent noise barriers aimed at 21 71.7 67.0 64.5 protecting residents of areas adjacent the motorway from noise generated from the linear source 22 64.0 57.2 57.5 (Aegean Motorway). In accordance with the Greek 23 63.1 58.5 55.4 legislation, repeated exceedances of statutory limits 24 71.6 68.6 63.9 must take place so to require suitable mitigation measures to be implemented.

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2. Noise Monitoring Program and Special Environmental Noise Evaluation 2 Study As mentioned above, to estimate environmental noise levels, an annual noise monitoring program is applied along Aegean motorway using special automotive noise monitoring stations equipped with state-of-the-art statistical noise analyzers appropriately configured to meet the requirements of the European Directive. The noise measurements were performed at a height of 4.0 meters from the ground and at a distance of 2.0 meters from the façade of the sensitive receptors. The aim of the Figure 1. Noise model (Raches Beach) and Control noise monitoring program is to safeguard sensitive locations using MITHRA software. receptors living close to the motorway from noise levels that exceed the statutory limits. It is widely known that extremely high noise levels can cause sleep disturbances and affect human health in general. The noise measurement results were used for the correct calibration of the noise model created using the MITHRA noise prediction software. Initially, a detailed 3D Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was created simulating real conditions so as to allow for the calculation of the geometrical characteristics of noise barriers at the respective locations. For the creation of the DTM, a topographical imprint was taken. More particularly, horizontal and elevation topographical data were taken for geographical unit of the project including the slopes and the service roads. Moreover, a topographical imprint of the residences close to the motorway was taken along with the data downloaded from satellite images for a distance of 200 meters on either side of the road axis. Figures below show the noise models of the selected geographical areas (Raches Beach, Kato Aigani and Leptokarya) where it was found that Figure 2. Noise model (Kato Aigani) and Control implementation of semi-transparent noise barriers locations using MITHRA software. should be implemented.

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To resolve the model, the recommended methodology NMPB-Routes-96 was used as per the European Directive 2002/49/EC. In addition, for the calibration of the model, the annual traffic data of year 2014, the speed of vehicles and the type of roadway were imported. Calibration of the noise model was followed by the calculation of the model

for the estimation of the Lde and Lnight indicators.

Comparison of the model with the measurement results, indicated very good correlation between the theoretical and the real acoustic measurements. Subsequently, horizontal and vertical maps of the three study areas (Geographical Units) were created for scenarios with and without mitigation measures (transparent noise barriers).

The following figures present horizontal and typical vertical grids of the L and L indicators at the de night Raches Beach, Kato Aigani and Leprokarya areas in conditions with and without transparent noise barriers.

Figure 3. Noise model (Leptokarya) and Control locations using MITHRA software.

(a) (c)

(b)

Figure 4. Horizontal noise map of the index Lde in a height of 4,0 meters from the ground (with no mitigation measures) – (a) Raches Beach, (b) Kato Aigani and (c) Leptokarya.

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(a) (c)

(b)

Figure 5. Horizontal noise map of the index Lde in a height of 4,0 meters from the ground (with mitigation measures) – (a) Raches Beach, (b) Kato Aigani and (c) Leptokarya.

Figure 6. Vertical noise map of the index Lde in a control location (with no mitigation measures) – Raches Beach.

Figure 7. Vertical noise map of the index Lde in a control location (with mitigation measures) – Raches Beach.

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(a) (c)

(b)

Figure 8. Horizontal noise map of the index Lnight (with no mitigation measures) – (a) Raches Beach, (b) Kato Aigani and (c) Leptokarya.

(a) (c)

(b)

Figure 9. Horizontal noise map of the index L (with night mitigation measures) – (a) Raches Beach, (b) Kato Aigani and (c) Leptokarya.

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Figure 10. Vertical noise map of the index Lnight in a control location (with no mitigation measures) – Raches

Beach.

Figure 11. Vertical noise map of the index Lnight in a control location (with mitigation measures) – Raches Beach. The recommended noise barriers (pl. see selected Table III below shows the implementation of sections in the following figures) are semi transparent noise barriers at the three Geographical transparent constructions with the introduction of a Units (Raches Beach, Kato Aigani, and high quality PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate). Leptokarya) described above. Especially, in table The transparent sections are characterized by III, the beginning and end mileage, the length and increased clarity which effectively minimizes any the height of the recommended barriers are shown. possible visual intrusion issues for the residents of the areas. Table III. Recommended noise barriers. Length Height Region From K.P. To K.P. m m Raches 241+073.5 241+153.2 80 3.0 Beach 241+153.2 241+270.0 117 4.5 397+885.8 397+993.6 108 4.5 398+005.5 398+087.1 82 3.5 398+087.1 398+117.5 30 3.0 398+105.7 398+162.1 56 3.5 Kato 398+162.1 398+217.9 56 3.0 Aigani 398+217.9 398+285.0 67 3.5 398+220.1 398+295.5 75 3.0 398+343.3 398+397.0 54 3.5 398+397.0 398+477.6 81 3.0 413+433.8 413+515.9 82 3.5 Figure 12. Transparent noise barrier in Kato Aigani. 413+641.0 413+725.6 85 3.0 413+775.6 413+829.1 54 3.0 Leptoka 413+894.8 413+927.7 33 3.0 rya 413+927.7 414+028.4 101 4.0

414+028.4 414+094.2 66 3.0 414+094.2 414+151.8 58 4.0

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In this respect, an annual noise monitoring program is performed with its. Main goal being to measure noise levels at the facades of buildings and assist in the planning and implementation of all appropriate mitigation measures where necessary. For this project, noise levels at 17 distinct receptors (noise level control locations) along the motorway were

investigated, excess values were recorded and a study for the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures was completed. It is essential to mention that the annual monitoring program is being continued in order for noise levels to be estimated and sensitive receptors to be protected. The noise mitigation measures considered consist of the implementation of the recommended semitransparent noise barriers already completed in all locations. The monitoring program is a

continuous action performed on an annual basis Figure 13. Transparent noise barrier in Raches Beach. evaluating whether additional noise measures may be required. 3. Conclusions References As mentioned above, Aegean Motorway constitutes [1] https://www.aegeanmotorway.gr/en/ one of the most important motorways in Greece on [2] Th. Evangelou, K. Vogiatzis et al.: Noise Monitoring the Athens-Thessaloniki axis, the construction and Program from the operation of PATHE Motorway: Maliakos–Klidi section in northern Greece. 23rd operation of which increased safety and maximizes International Congress on Sound and Vibration ICSV23 driving experience for drivers of the Maliakos- 2016. Kleidi section of the motorway. Apart from the [3] Special Environmental Noise Evaluation Study obligations that the company must meet in line with according to JMD 211773 in 10 locations of PATHE the provisions of the Concession Agreement, Motorway: Maliakos–Klidi section, Aegean Motorway S.A., 2015. Aegean Motorway takes action which shows that it has incorporated environment protection in its activities and interactions with other parties [1]. Within this framework, it actively addresses environmental road traffic noise during operation which may be detrimental to the environment and affect the quality of residents in areas adjacent to the motorway making sure that they are appropriately and adequately protected (see figure 14 hereafter).

Figure 14. Aegean Motorway.