Impact Of Motorway Research Articles

The impact of motorways and public transport construction on residents’ satisfaction with neighbourhoods

Transport infrastructures serve as pathways to employment, amenities, and services, contributing to the economic development of societies and the broader landscape. Development projects are usually measured on economic metrics; however, they can have short-term and long-term impacts on wellbeing due to disruptions during construction and changes in accessibility after construction. This study investigates the impact of transport construction projects on the residents’ satisfaction with surrounding neighbourhoods. This study uses the longitudinal survey of Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia (HILDA) from 2002 to 2019 to monitor and model satisfaction with neighbourhoods for residents living in the vicinity of 11 major transport construction projects in Sydney, Australia. The variations in residents’ satisfaction with neighbourhoods are investigated at macro and micro levels. At the macro level, average satisfaction before during and after construction are compared against each other. At the micro level, two random effect ordered logit models are developed to explain satisfaction while controlling for residents’ sociodemographic attributes and major life events. Both highway and underground projects have been shown to improve overall satisfaction among all residents. However, during the construction phase for underground, satisfaction with neighbourhoods tends to decrease. The highway projects exhibit a positive effect on residents even during the construction phase, with a higher positive effect for permanent residents.

The local impacts of building a large motorway network: Urban growth, suburbanisation, and agglomeration

Portugal moved from having less than 200 km of motorways in the early 1980s to having the fourth highest motorway density relative to population in the European Union in 2019. This paper studies the relationship between the development of the Portuguese motorway network between 1981 and 2011 and the growth of population and employment at the local level. We address the endogeneity of the geography of motorways using instrumental variables based on a map of dirt roads from the late 18th century and the main roads of a 1945 road plan. Our findings suggest that, on average, motorways caused large increases in population – and even larger increases in employment – in the municipalities that received them. We also find that motorways contributed to suburbanisation, as the impact of motorways on population growth (but not on employment growth) is stronger in suburban municipalities. Another important nonlinearity is that motorways appear to have influenced urban agglomeration dynamics, as their effect on the growth of the local population between 1981 and 2011 depends on the size of the local population in 1970.

Assessment of Motorway Impact on Agricultural Land with a Simplified Method and GIS Data as a Tool for Selecting the Optimal Route

The highway network has to grow because of the increasing vehicle use, the effort to improve road safety, and the needs generated by economic development and efficient international transport. The negative impact of the motorway on agricultural holdings in its vicinity can be determined with general agricultural land valuation methods. However, this approach necessitates an in-depth analysis of land cultivated by each farm, which is rather labour-intensive. Impact on agricultural land should be assessed after the detailed plans for constructing a motorway are ready or even after construction. Nevertheless, simplified methods can be applied as early as the preliminary design stage or when evaluating potential alternative routes. Less labour-intensive, these methods can determine the harmful impact of a motorway on agricultural land with sufficient accuracy. The simplified and automated method presented for assessing the impact of a motorway on agricultural land uses GML files to automatically acquire data for the calculations, using the linear nature of the motorway. The prepared input data is then processed to optimally place the motorway in space. The final step is the visualisation of the road investment. The process has been automated to facilitate rapid analysis and employment of the data in linear project modelling and assessments of available options.

Landscape genetic analyses of Cervus elaphus and Sus scrofa: comparative study and analytical developments.

Red deer and wild boar are two major game species whose populations are managed and live in areas impacted by human activities. Measuring and understanding the impact of landscape features on individual movements and spatial patterns of genetic variability in these species is thus of importance for managers. A large number of individuals sampled across Wallonia (Belgium) for both species have been genotyped using microsatellite markers (respectively > 1700 and > 1200 genotyped individuals) and some individuals have also been followed using a capture-mark-recapture (CMR) protocol. The combined data set represents an unprecedented opportunity to study and compare the environmental factors impacting the interconnectivity of these large mammals. The present study describes and uses a landscape genetic workflow to compare spatial patterns of genetic variability and the impact of environmental factors on genetic differentiation. For the latter analyses, we investigate the correlation between genetic and environmental distances (pairwise approach) and also between local genetic dissimilarity and environmental conditions (point approach). Preliminary analyses of CMR data confirm that motorways act as significant barriers to dispersal. However, analyses performed with the pairwise approach do not highlight any evidence of an impact of motorways on genetic differentiation, which is presumably due to their recent establishment. Complementary analyses performed with the point approach reveal that low altitude tends to be associated with higher genetic dissimilarity. From a methodological point of view, the present workflow illustrates the complementary application of both pairwise and point approaches, as well as univariate and multivariate analyses.

Optimization of the Layout of Motorway Overpasses on the Example of the A4 Motorway Section Jazwiny – Gora Motyczna

The developed, innovative method of estimating the impact of motorway on agricultural land allows determination of all the losses associated with the directions of this impact. The basis for the determination of losses is the analysis of variability in land use and the quality classes and location of access roads to the land along the axis of the planned motorway. The approved measure of the multidirectional impact of the motorway on agricultural land is a change in the value of land, which is determined with taking into account the differences of their suitability for agricultural production. The developed method of determining the impact of motorway on agricultural land was presented on the example of A4 motorway section between Jaźwiny and Góra Motyczna. The existing section of motorway was assessed and then for the same section, the calculations were made again, but with an alternative location of the motorway overpasses (flyovers). In the case of the existing section, the construction of one kilometer of the section of motorway under consideration will result in a reduction in the value of agricultural land of 2119 cereal units. Acquisition of land for the construction of the motorway and its negative impact cover about 78% of the total reduction in value of agricultural land. The remaining 22% of the land value reduction is related to the increase in transport and the deterioration of the plots layout. On the other hand, in the case of the section with alternative arrangement of overpasses, the value of agricultural land is reduced of 2088 cereal units. Acquisition of land under construction and under motorway’s toxic impact will be equal 79%, while the combined effect of transport growth and deterioration of the layout makes 21%.

Assessment of the motorway’s impact on agricultural land on the example of the section of motorway A4 Jasień – Bobrowniki Małe

The innovative method of assessment of the motorway impact on agricultural land presented in this study allows to estimate all losses related to the directions of this impact. The basis for the determination of losses is the analysis of land use variability and bonitation classes as well as the location of access roads to the land along the axis of the planned motorway. The applied measure of the motorway's impact on agricultural land is the change in land value, at which determination only the diversity of its suitability for agricultural production is taken into account. The developed method of determining the impact of the motorway on agricultural land was presented on the example of the A4 motorway section between the villages Jasień and Bobrowniki Małe. The existing motorway section was evaluated and then the obtained data were compared with the results obtained for the alternative version of the motorway running on the same section.

Acoustic and economic analysis of the use of palm tree pruning waste in noise barriers to mitigate the environmental impact of motorways.

This research has a twofold environmental benefit. On the one hand, there is the recycling of a waste by-product and, on the other hand, the reduction of traffic noise pollution levels. The objective of this study is to determine and evaluate the use of a mixture of shredded palm tree pruning waste with dampened topsoil in the construction of noise barriers. With a view to efficiently recycling pruning waste and using an environmentally-friendly material which does not pose any environmental risks at the end of its useful life, the composition offering the best sound absorption has been analyzed. Based on the results obtained, a completely eco-friendly roadside noise barrier (RNB) 1:1 scale model was built, and noise levels measured at various points close to it. Significant sound absorption benefits were detected, not only in the shaded area behind the barrier, but also in the unprotected area immediately above the barrier. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of both the construction and recycling processes has been calculated.

Combined acoustical and visual performance of noise barriers in mitigating the environmental impact of motorways

This study investigated the overall performance of noise barriers in mitigating environmental impact of motorways, taking into consideration their effects on reducing noise and visual intrusions of moving traffic, but also potentially inducing visual impact themselves. A laboratory experiment was carried out, using computer-visualised video scenes and motorway traffic noise recordings to present experimental scenarios covering two traffic levels, two distances of receiver to road, two types of background landscape, and five barrier conditions including motorway only, motorway with tree belt, motorways with 3m timber barrier, 5m timber barrier, and 5m transparent barrier. Responses from 30 participants of university students were gathered and perceived barrier performance analysed. The results show that noise barriers were always beneficial in mitigating environmental impact of motorways, or made no significant changes in environmental quality when the impact of motorways was low. Overall, barriers only offered similar mitigation effect as compared to tree belt, but showed some potential to be more advantageous when traffic level went high. 5m timber barrier tended to perform better than the 3m one at the distance of 300m but not at 100m possibly due to its negative visual effect when getting closer. The transparent barrier did not perform much differently from the timber barriers but tended to be the least effective in most scenarios. Some low positive correlations were found between aesthetic preference for barriers and environmental impact reduction by the barriers.

Prediction of the visual impact of motorways using GIS

Large scale transportation projects can adversely affect the visual perception of environmental quality and require adequate visual impact assessment. In this study, we investigated the effects of the characteristics of the road project and the character of the existing landscape on the perceived visual impact of motorways, and developed a GIS-based prediction model based on the findings. An online survey using computer-visualised scenes of different motorway and landscape scenarios was carried out to obtain perception-based judgements on the visual impact. Motorway scenarios simulated included the baseline scenario without road, original motorway, motorways with timber noise barriers, transparent noise barriers and tree screen; different landscape scenarios were created by changing land cover of buildings and trees in three distance zones. The landscape content of each scene was measured in GIS. The result shows that presence of a motorway especially with the timber barrier significantly decreases the visual quality of the view. The resulted visual impact tends to be lower where it is less visually pleasant with more buildings in the view, and can be slightly reduced by the visual absorption effect of the scattered trees between the motorway and the viewpoint. Based on the survey result, eleven predictors were identified for the visual impact prediction model which was applied in GIS to generate maps of visual impact of motorways in different scenarios. The proposed prediction model can be used to achieve efficient and reliable assessment of visual impact of motorways.

Motorway Impact Study on Agricultural Land Based on Satellite Images and GIS

Whenever a new motorway is built, an important agricultural area is affected. In order to evaluate it’s impact in the environment the new technologies based on GIS (Geographical Information System) and Remote Sensing can be a real help. The satellite images or other ortho-rectified aerial photos can offer a real image of the study area and help the designers to take the right decision according to their needs. Also using GIS technology, intersecting different layers, can be obtained, relatively easy, areas, perimeters, slopes, volumes, in fact, different data needed in the design process. The images offer something that we can not find on the maps, the aspect and orientation of parcels and their different land use. Also using a DTM (Digital Terrain Modell) the real world can be represented more accurate. That means we can decide easier on different aspects of the new project. The main data needed: topographic layer; hydrographic layer; land use/cover layer; DTM; Satellite/aerial image; Projected parameters of the motorway. Based on the satellite/aerial images the old topographical maps can be updated. In this study is an example on how the project had to be modified because of the old topographical map. The main result of the study consists in series of land areas, classified upon the land cover and surface, affected by the motorway. Also, based on the DTM, a three dimensional view of the area can be represented as a layout or as flight-through.

Autópályák és a városi fejlődés

Az autópályák és a városok szerkezete közötti kapcsolat több összefüggésben is vizsgálható. Tanulmányozhatók egyrészt azok a városok, amelyek alapszerkezetét a közúti közlekedés folyamatai határozták meg, másrészt pedig az utóbbi évtizedek szuburbanizációs folyamatai, melyek a regionális különbségek mellett az egész világon jellemzőek. A szuburbanizációnak több káros hatása van, melyeket sokan az autópályák létével kapcsolnak össze. Vannak olyan elképzelések, amelyek segítségével e hatások mérsékelhetők. Cikkünk e kérdésekről igyekszik rövid áttekintést nyújtani.

Le réseau autoroutier français : un outil rapidement valorisé, des effets controversés

The policy of granting toll-based concessions to companies for the construction and operation of intercity motorways has enabled a rapid growth of the French motorway network, which reached on lst January 1996 a total of 7,400 kilometres, including 6,300 kilometres of concessionary toll motorways. On toll motorways, 54,3 billion kilometres were used by vehicles in 1995, 81,5 % by cars and 18,5 % by lorries. The construction of any motorway brings up the usual numerous problems of integrating the new infrastructure into its surroundings. These problems are land-take, harm to agricultural activities, damage to the environment, traffic noise prevention, etc. The studies about the impact of motorways on regional development show that the new infrastructures have no automatic effects. But the new offer of transportation is often a catalyst for some economic activities such as trade and tourism. Business Parks and shopping centers are also frequently created in the vicinity of motorway interchanges.

The physical and economic impact of motorways on agriculture

The results of a number of different surveys are presented in order to demonstrate the different levels at which motorway construction can influence agricultural activity. National loss of agricultural land must not be overemphasised at the expense of individual farm disturbance. Such disturbance can be measured either by estimating the psychological and administrative upset caused during and after construction or by examining the economic fortunes of the farm units involved. An important assumption throughout is that psychological upset will, where important, manifest itself in a worsened economic performance. Thus economic assessments should be given primary consideration, even though they are far more difficult to make. The results show the number and type of farms likely to be affected, why some farms suffer more than others and to what extent.

A survey on the impact of motorways on agriculture

This paper looks into the ways in which farmers and farms are affected by motorways running through or near to their land. The investigation was based on an extensive questionnaire covering many aspects of farming. The more important of these questions are described and discussed in the text. Two farming communities were investigated; one near a newly opened motorway, the other, near a motorway which had been open several years. The two groups are compared in the text.

Urban Motorway Impact

This article, based on studies carried out for the urban motorways committee, discusses the physical effects of operating urban motorways and techniques for measuring them under headings of: noise, visual effects, pollution, vibration and severance. The next section considers survey methods for measuring social and psychological consequences. Economic costs and benefits for householders, trades, travellers and other groups are examined. /TRRL/

World climate warming up

At present the choice of materials and techniques in road construction is dictated by structural requirements and economic aspects. However, ecological factors have gained in importance due to environmental considerations in politics and society. To evaluate the environmental impact of motorways, a life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040 was carried out for different pavement types. By investigating different case scenarios, the reduction potential of environmental impact was quantified. The biggest reduction in air pollution can be achieved by improving pavement properties (e.g., texture, stiffness and flatness) which would significantly reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles.