Noise reduction with solar panels on motorway

For Høje-Taastrup Municipality, SYSTRA (formerly Atkins Denmark) conducted a concept study on the impact, economics, and financing of fully covering parts of the Holbæk Motorway.

project description

The project’s main purpose to reduce traffic noise for residents around the motorways, is due to health reasons. The light covering of the motorway also creates the opportunity for the establishment of solar energy plants and partial financing of the project. 

NOISE DAMAGES OUR HEALTH

Today, more than 700,000 homes have noise levels above the Danish limit values, even though we build noise barriers along the roads. 

Both Danish and foreign studies have long shown a link between traffic noise and several serious diseases. 

Now, however, a recent Danish study shows a link between traffic noise and more stress-related diseases. For example, there is an increased number of dementia diseases and challenges in cognitive learning processes among children in residential areas with traffic noise (2021). 

At the same time, WHO has published a report (2018) stating that the limit values should be further reduced because foreign studies also have shown a greater link between serious diseases and traffic noise. WHO therefore recommends reducing the noise limit at homes from 58 dB to 53 dB. A limit value that is not achievable with the measures we use in Denmark today: In many places, 4-5 meter high noise barriers are set up, but the barriers only reduce the noise level for the heavily affected homes close to the motorway, while homes up to a kilometer away still have a noise level above the noise limit of 58 dB. 

Abroad, significantly higher and more effective noise barriers are being built than we have a tradition for in Denmark. 

A full cover of the heavily trafficked motorways will not only reduce the noise level below the Danish limit of 58 dB for many residents (>1,000 in Hedehusene) but will also reduce the noise level to below 53 dB, as recommended by WHO. 

LOWER NOISE LEVEL WITH GREEN BENFITS

The study aimed to achieve the following main objectives:

• Technical and architectural description of possible covers 
• Description of the technical construction and rough estimates of construction costs 
• The expected reduction in noise level 
• Description of the derived positive effects and consequences for the surrounding urban environment 
• Investigation of the formal process for the establishment and approval of coverings in cooperation with Høje-Taastrup and relevant authorities and stakeholders 
• Estimated calculations of possible solar energy plants – establishment, operation, profitability. 

Calculations of the effect of full coverage compared to today’s shielding at 4 m and 5 m height through Hedehusene can be seen here: