Noise Level Mitigation in Urban Areas: The Case of Minhocão in São Paulo

Built in the early 1970s in São Paulo (SP), the Elevado Presidente João Goulart, popularly known as Minhocão, has become a crucial connection between the city's West and East zones. Over the years, increasing vehicle traffic has led to significant noise pollution, impacting nearby buildings. This study presents possible acoustic solutions to reduce noise levels affecting building façades, aiming to improve residents' quality of life. On-site acoustic measurements were conducted under different usage scenarios, followed by computational simulations to assess the effectiveness of the proposed interventions. The results demonstrate that implementing acoustic solutions can significantly reduce noise levels in the affected area. This study contributes to discussions on Minhocão's future, considering alternatives such as transforming it into a permanent linear park or its complete removal.