NOISE LEVEL DISTRIBUTION BASED ON VEHICLE CATEGORY AND SPEED ON SUPRAPTO ROAD OF PALU CITY

Abstract

The urban development of Palu City has been accompanied by a significant increase in land transportation activities. Vehicle speed is one of the primary factors influencing road traffic noise and environmental vibration levels. This study aims to analyze the effect of vehicle speed on the intensity of road noise and environmental vibration, and to evaluate their conformity with applicable environmental quality standards. Data collection was conducted at three observation time (L1, L2, L3) by measuring vehicle speed using a speed gun, noise levels using a Sound Level Meter (SLM), and traffic volume. Measurements were taken during three time periods: morning (07:00–11:00 WITA), midday (11:00–14:00 WITA), and afternoon (14:00–18:00 WITA). Vehicle categories included motorcycles (MC), light vehicles (LV), and heavy vehicles (HV). Noise analysis was performed using frequency distribution and equivalent noise level (Leq) calculations. Results showed that noise levels at all three locations ranged from 53.6 to 92.0 dBA, exceeding the standard set by the Decree of the State Minister of Environment No. 48 of 1996. This study offers a useful foundation for comprehending and reducing noise pollution caused by traffic in Palu CIty, and may act as a reference point for formulating specific noise control strategies in urban areas.