Evaluation of Daily Vehicular Traffic Flows and Noise Levels at Major Junctions in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated vehicular traffic flows and associated traffic noise levels at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis. Traffic volume was determined using visual traffic count method. Noise level was determined using an Extech digital sound level meter. Data were statistically analyzed and noise descriptors determined. Average daily traffic flows ranged from 149 to 4224. Average daily total traffic volume was minimum at Eliozu junction and maximum Eleme junction. Traffic noise varied proportionally with traffic flow. The result showed that Average noise levels varied from 70.5dB(A) to 95.9dB(A). The result showed that L10 mean values were 89.0, 90.2 91.7, 94.7 and 97.2dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L50 mean values were 80.5, 81.2, 83.8, 85.2 and 89.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L90 mean values were 69.5, 70.1, 70.4, 72.0 and 78.2dB(A) for Choba, Eliozu, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively. Noise climate (NC) aggregated mean values were 18.9, 19.0, 20.7, 21.3 and 22.7 for Eliozu, Eleme, Choba, Runuokuta and Runuokoro junctions respectively; Leq aggregated mean values were 86.5, 88.3, 91.4, 93.8 and 95.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; noise pollution index (Lnp) aggregated mean values were 105.4, 109.0, 113.0, 114.3 and 116.6dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively; traffic noise index (TNI) aggregated mean values were 115.7, 122.3, 124.2, 125.6 and 132.8dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively. The study showed evidences of high traffic noise pollution at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis, which may adversely affect public health and therefore requires intervention by all stakeholgers, including decision makers.