In a new initiative to combat road noise, the Danish Road Directorate (Vejdirektoratet) has announced that they will begin testing a new type of noise-reducing asphalt on selected road sections in Denmark. This innovative type of asphalt, which has shown promising results in the Netherlands, will be laid on seven kilometers of Motorring 3 as well as on three other locations in Jutland. The trial, which is part of the Infrastructure Plan 2035, will begin this summer, where drain asphalt will be used in the southbound direction from Frederikssundsvej to the Holbæk Motorway, covering areas in the municipalities of Rødovre, Glostrup, and Brøndby.
This particular type of asphalt is designed with greater spaces between the stones in the wearing course, which not only absorbs sound in the same way as an acoustic ceiling but also effectively drains rainwater, improving traffic safety in wet conditions. Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen (V) has expressed great enthusiasm for the project and emphasizes the importance of addressing road noise, which is a nuisance for many citizens. “There are good examples from, among other places, the Netherlands that this type of asphalt can reduce the noise level by three to four decibels, and it is crucial that we explore these possibilities,” he said.
In Rødovre, Mayor Britt Jensen (S) has also positively received the news of the trial, pointing out that the municipality’s citizens have long been plagued by noise. The trial with the noise-reducing asphalt will last for a year and a half, and in addition to Motorring 3, tests will also be conducted on sections near Kliplev in Southern Jutland, north of Randers, and west of Køge, with asphalt sections ranging between 500 and 1000 meters.
The Danish Road Directorate expects to present the results and experiences from the trial by the end of 2025, which will contribute to future decisions on possible broader use of the noise-reducing asphalt on Danish roads.