The WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines and noise policy in Denmark - the case of noise from motorways.

This paper shows the consequences for urban planning and road construction, if the Danish guideline from noise from motorways is to be changed according to the WHO-guidelines from 2018. It shows comprehensive challenges for urban planning and construction of new roads. Today the Danish guideline is 58 dB Lden while WHO suggest 53 dB Lden. The paper shows the technical possibilities to reduce the noise according to the WHO-guidelines. The paper also shows, that the cost for noise reducing initiatives along motorways would triple, the forbidden planning zone for new housing along motorways would be doubled geographically and the profit for urban developers behind projects for new housing outside larger cities would disappear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]