• Mobilität_Freiburg
    © Beat Ernst

Mobility & Noise Protection South Germany

We develop innovative and future-proof solutions for attractive and sustainable mobility as well as liveable and low-noise residential and natural areas.

With our comprehensive knowledge of transport planning and noise-related issues, we offer you a wide range of consulting and support services: from holistic mobility plans to specific pedestrian, cycling or parking concepts, from comprehensive municipal studies to individual development projects, from simplified to inter-municipal noise action plans.

Our specialists analyse the interactions between the various modes of transport, develop measures to promote sustainable forms of mobility and create attractive living spaces, and identify options for action to reduce noise pollution. Economic, ecological, spatial planning and social effects are taken into account throughout the planning process. For specific projects, we examine the use of suitable instruments such as traffic and noise models, GIS and digital forms of participation.

We consider the involvement of those affected and stakeholders to be an important aspect. To this end, we can draw on our extensive experience with various participation formats.

Our goal: sustainable transport solutions that harmonise the environment, people and the economy.

Services

Mobility

  • Specialist concepts for the promotion of sustainable mobility in Baden-Württemberg such as the mobility action plan, climate and noise protection, lively and traffic-calmed town centres, etc.
  • Traffic and mobility concepts
  • Walking and cycling concepts
  • School route plans and school transport concepts
  • Public transport consultations and concepts
  • Parking concepts
  • Traffic studies for development plans and investor projects
  • Traffic and mobility management
  • Multimodal traffic models and microsimulations
  • Traffic surveys
  • Demand calculations and potential assessments
  • Performance assessments
  • Implementation support and monitoring

 

Noise protection

  • Noise mapping
  • Noise action plans
  • Noise studies
  • Noise studies for development plans and investor projects

Downloads

questions and answers on noise protection in mobility

What does noise protection mean in the context of mobility? 

 When it comes to the planning of roads, noise protection is an issue with great potential for conflict in the public eye. Noise pollution from road traffic is one of the most significant sources of environmental noise. That is why Rapp develops innovative and customized solutions for low-noise residential areas and natural areas.

 Cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and other vehicles generate a considerable amount of noise in road traffic. Railways also cause high noise levels. People who are exposed to this high noise level over long periods of time suffer particularly from it. Traffic noise can have the following health consequences:  

  • Stress reactions
  • Sleep disorders
  • Impaired concentration and performance
  • Irritability, nervousness, tension 

 

In the long term, road noise can lead to hearing damage, cardiovascular diseases and anxiety disorders. Noise protection measures are therefore particularly necessary when roads run through congested areas. 

 After detailed analyses, the experts from Rapp propose suitable noise protection measures. Strategic noise maps and impact analyses help here. The consequences of building a road are determined and possible ways of minimizing them are examined for this purpose. Active measures such as noise barriers along with passive measures including structural alterations to buildings are possible. 

 

What legal requirements apply to noise protection? 

 When developing suitable noise protection measures, the experts at Rapp naturally take the legal requirements into account. The following standards and directives are particularly relevant:  

  • 16th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV)
  • 18th BImSchV
  • DIN 18005
  • Technical Instructions on Noise Protection (TA Lärm)
  • Environmental Noise Directive 

 

DIN 18005 "Noise protection in urban development" specifies, for example, the noise levels that road traffic must not exceed. This stipulates that in purely residential areas, noise levels must not exceed 50 dB during the day and 40 or 35 dB at night. In parks and cemeteries, the volume must never exceed 55 dB. 

 The Technical Instructions on Noise Protection (TA Lärm) also specify limit values for noise generated by road traffic. Among other things, it also defines how it should be measured. 

 

What is the difference between active and passive noise protection? 

 A distinction is made between active and passive noise protection measures. The specialists at Rapp find the right individual solution on the basis of detailed analyses. 

 Active noise protection refers to measures that are installed directly at the source of the noise or along the propagation path. They serve to prevent or reduce the propagation of noise before it reaches residents or passers-by. Active noise protection is intended to reduce noise for all people and animals. Here are a few examples:  

  • Installation of noise barriers along roads or railway lines
  • Use of low-noise road surfaces
  • Enforcement of speed limits in the area concerned, e.g. 80 km/h on the motorway or 30 km/h in the city centre
  • Restriction of heavy goods traffic to certain times of day 

 

One far-reaching measure is the creation of bypass roads. This ensures that the traffic volume is better distributed, thereby also reducing noise levels. 

 Passive sound insulation measures are implemented on buildings or in rooms to prevent noise from entering from outside. Their task is therefore to block out the noise that is still present. Such measures have a selective effect. Examples include:  

  • Insulation of facades
  • Installation of soundproof windows and airtight doors
  • Installation of special ventilation systems that prevent noise from entering the house 

  

Does Rapp also support local authorities in noise action planning? 

 Needless to say, Rapp supports local authorities in noise action planning. Our experts provide various services in this area. They range from the creation of simple sample plans to complex procedures in inter-municipal co-operation.

 At our location in Freiburg in southern Germany, we develop customised measures that enable local authorities to reduce their traffic noise in an effective manner. We have implemented more than 50 noise action plans in all four administrative districts of Baden-Württemberg in Germany.

 One specific example of our noise protection services is the project that we have been supporting in the municipality of Baiersbronn since 2022. The municipality requested our expertise for its "Aue" development plan. New residential developments are to be realised, and a park-and-ride facility and a special area for events are also to be created.

 Our team was commissioned to prepare an acoustic expertise for the project and to make recommendations for measures. Above all, there was concern that the additional traffic caused by the park-and-ride facility would potentially generate a lot of noise – as would the fairground.

 It became apparent that the park-and-ride facility does not cause any significant noise pollution. Only a few buildings are affected by the additional traffic, but these can be protected with passive noise protection measures. Our team also determined that activities on the fairground could cause excessive noise levels at times. We suggested to the municipality that the loudspeakers be strategically positioned and the event times adjusted.

 

Which projects are particularly relevant for noise protection? 

 Noise protection plays an important role in infrastructure projects involving the construction of roads and/or railways. It also comes into play in urban developments such as building developments and subsequent compaction.

 However, noise protection applies not only to road traffic, but also to other sources of noise. These include leisure events such as concerts and sporting events as well as commercial noise. The combination of in-depth analyses, expertise and experience enables Rapp to find suitable noise protection measures for all situations.

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