Measuring Vehicle Traffic Noise Pollution Levels in Dammam Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The quality of the urban environment is a key goal of sustainable development. This study aims to measure the sustainable development index of sound quality resulting from urban traffic, particularly vehicle movement on roads in Dammam. Using a descriptive and analytical approach supported by statistical methods and geographic information systems, the study reveals varying levels of noise pollution across different times and locations due to the spatial structure of the city. Field data from 2022 show that Prince Othman bin Affan Road recorded peak traffic noise at 87.4 decibels in the morning and 85.7 decibels in the evening, while Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Road recorded 87.6 decibels in the afternoon. Deterioration in road paving contributes to urban noise discomfort, highlighting the need for improved pavement quality and environmental mitigation measures such as tree-lined roads and fence barriers to reduce noise levels on both sides of urban streets.

Keywords: Noise pollution, Traffic noise, Decibels, Sustainable development, Dammam metropolis.