Traffic, noise and air pollution in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. An evaluation of the effects of the ring road

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is the presentation end analysis of the results of an evaluation of noise and air pollution as a consequence of the road traffic in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands. Spain). before and after the construction of the projected ring road.Methodology for evaluation is based on the following steps:Construction and calibration of an assignment traffic model to replicate actual traffic conditions and predict main changes of traffic volumes on the main roads of the city after the new road in service.An assessment of noise impact. by determination of the population affected bl different levels of noise before/after the ring road. Levels of noise are estimated having into account the most important variables with influence in emission and reception of noise: traffic flow. traffic composition (ratio heavy/light vehicles). speed. distance and reflection.An assessment of the air pollution through the total emissions of carbon monoxide (CO): nitrogen oxides NOx and Hydrocarbons (HC). The emission of each pollutant is calculated as a function of the road length, traffic flow, traffic composition, speed and a rate of emission for heavy and light vehicles.