Evaluation of the renovation of an urban highway viaduct using citizen science low-cost noise monitoring

Abstract

A main highway in Belgium (E17) has transected the city of Ghent with a viaduct since 1970. This highway is the main north-south artery for heavy traffic from and to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. The viaduct has significant maintenance issues and was subjected to multiple noise control actions in the past. Since 2014 a local citizens initiative named 'Viadukaduk' -mimicking the sound of the viaduct to allow public engagement in resolving the environmental issues. In 2020, a major renovation was initiated. Prior to this renovation (in 2015) noise measurements were performed at two dwellings at either side of the viaduct. In 2020, at the beginning of renovation, measurements were repeated at the two dwellings. Post-renovation, the two datasets, 2015 and 2020/2022, have been used to perform a noise evaluation due to the renovation of the viaduct, including the impact of changes in noise barrier type, road surface and bridge joints. Preliminary results show a change of 7 dBA, although at the impact of the renovation itself is limited to 1 dBA. The data collected during the renovation illustrate the different phases: speed reduction and lane changes, removing old screens, placement of new screens, refurbishing bridge joints etc.)