The city is to test three new road surfaces that could cut noise from traffic by as much as 50 per cent. And for those that suffer in the city in summer, the state-of-the-art surfaces are also designed to reduce heat during hot periods.
The project, which will cost a total of €2.9m, will test road surfaces with “sound and thermal qualities and acceptable durability”, in an attempt to fight noise pollution as well as battle the effects of climate change.
The surfaces are designed to refresh the air by retaining water. The tests will also trial the use of different colours in bouncing back the light from the sun which could cut down on heat.