Introduction: Adverse human health effects of motor vehicle noise, which levels are the highest in urban areas, are considered in many foreign and domestic studies. Objective: To establish the zone of acoustic discomfort related to motor vehicle noise on the territory of new residential complexes in the city of Voronezh. Materials and methods: Using the “Assistant” sound level meter (accuracy class 1), we conducted 72 noise measurements at 36 monitoring points within the 20.5 hectare area of two residential complexes at distances of 7.5, 50, 100, 200, 300, 350, and 430 meters from the four-lane highway, the main local source of traffic noise. The measurements were taken in May 2023 on working days (Monday to Friday) in the daytime and at night. Results: We have established that modern urban planning technologies and solutions used in the construction of new residential complexes are unable to eliminate the zone of acoustic discomfort. According to the results of field measurements, the equivalent noise level along the highway in the daytime exceeds permissible levels by 17.8–19.7 dBA and at night – by 22.6–25.7 dBA. The noise limit is also exceeded in the inner yard (on the playground, in the recreation area). The significant area of the study object is almost completely affected by traffic noise at the distances of up to 100 m and 200 m in the daytime and at night, respectively, which creates an unfavorable acoustic environment that has a negative impact on the local residents. Conclusions: To reduce the area of the acoustic discomfort zone, it is recommended to take measures to reduce traffic intensity in the study area by developing the road network and public transport system, prohibiting motorcycle and freight traffic on this street, especially at nighttime, improving landscaping of the adjoining territory, and installing transparent noise barriers that will prevent noise transfer between houses to the inner territory of the residential complex and the lower floors of the buildings.

Приведены результаты исследования зависимости показателей эквивалентного шума от автотранспорта города Воронежа при изменении геоморфологических и техногенно-ландшафтных характеристик территории. Исследование базируется на проведении натурных измерений и построении моделей уровня шума посредством программного обеспечения. Проведен анализ влияния рельефа на распространение шума для двух участков с понижением уровня абсолютных высот местности. Оценено влияние шумозащитных экранов в формировании уровня акустического загрязнения, создаваемого автотранспортом. Исследовано влияние зеленых насаждений на распространение автотранспортного шума. Составлены экспериментальные зависимости эквивалентного уровня автотранспортного шума от рельефа местности, наличия шумозащитных экранов и полосы зеленых насаждений. The article describes the study of the dependence of equivalent noise indicators from motor transport in the city of Voronezh when changing geomorphological and technogenic-landscape characteristics of the territory. All research is based on application of natural measurements and construction of noise level models by means of software. The work includes: analysis of topography influence on noise propagation for two sites with decreasing absolute terrain heights; assessment of noise protective screens influence in formation of motor transport acoustic pollution level; research of green plantations influence on traffic noise propagation. As well we revealed experimental dependences of the equivalent traffic noise level on the topography, noise protection screens and green areas.