Bochove, Van G.

In the national top-ten of nuisances, traffic noise has for many years taken the number one spot. The leaders of our densely populated nation, as well as the industry, have therefore made tremendous efforts to reduce this form of nuisance for quite a while. In principle, measures at the source have preference. Noise reducing road surfaces are higher rated than sound barriers or façade isolation. However, not in all government regulations silent road surfaces have found their place. This is also the consequence of many uncertainties surrounding these silent roads surfaces. Not just uncertainties concerning sound reduction itself, but also lifespan and the necessary maintenance are cause of this. But, developments happen fast. More and more the market develops its boundaries for where which silent road surfaces can be applied, and also what the certainties and risks are. This way the barriers for the application are being taken down further and further and the application is receiving a strong impulse. These developments have lead to the Netherlands fulfilling a role of pioneer, internationally speaking, in the field of silent road surfaces for the main infrastructure as well as for inner-city application. The paper will give an insight into the state of the art and to take away or to prevent some misunderstandings.