Noise and vibration studies for the environmental planning statement and appropriate assessment required for the Kappara Junction Project

Abstract

The Authority for Transport in Malta, Transport Malta, issued a call for tenders as per above title. This tender was concerned with carrying out a noise and vibration baseline study, a specific prerequisite for the Environmental Planning Statement (EPS) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) for two proposed design options to upgrade the TEN_T network at the Kappara Junction. This includes the preparation of the Environmental Survey Report (ESR), as required by the Project Coordinator, to compile the EPS and AA. Monitoring for noise and vibration was carried out as stipulated by the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/29/EC). Data on noise was collected in 2 phases: Phase I involved collection during weekdays and weekends from 12 receptor sites.. Tuesday and Thursday were identified as the best broad sample representing a typical week’s traffic load. Saturday evening and night were considered as the worst-case scenario for typical weekend traffic. Data on vibrations was also collected in Phase I. Phase II involved the collection of noise data continuously (24 hrs) for 7 days from 3 different receptor points in the vicinity of the junction. The data collected in both phases was used to model the existing situation and proposed scenarios (Options A and B). Noise maps for the footprint of the project are also presented.