Analysis of Noise Levels Due to Vehicle Traffic Sounds in the Environment Around Merauke City Arterial Roads Before and During the Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of noise generated by motorized vehicles passing on arterial roads in Merauke City before the pandemic and during the pandemic. The method used in this research is the observation method. Measurement of vehicle traffic sound using Sound Level Meter.The equipment is placed 5 meters from the edge of the road, and 1.2 meters from the road surface.Measurements were carried out for 3 days for 7 hours. The measurement data is then processed to obtain the value of the noise level (Leq). The results of the analysis show that the noise level beside the arterial road before the pandemic (in 2019) was 72.21 dB and during the pandemic (in 2021) it was 68.54 dB. There was a decrease in the noise level as a result of a decrease in vehicle activity during the period of implementation of the community activity restriction (PPKM). Environmental conditions besides the arterial road are office and trade areas, so based on the noise level standard, the noise level value obtained has exceeded the quality standard, which is 65 dB.