Affordable and effective traffic noise mitigation measures are highly wanted, e.g. for the "action plans" which are due for the European Noise Directive in the EU MS. Low noise pavements are an interesting option as they are a "source measure" and relatively cheap compared to other measures. The problem with the conventional low noise pavements is that the obtained noise reduction (typical 2 to 7 dBA) is lower than what can be achieved with noise barriers (typical 7 up to 12 dBA). A poroelastic road surface (PERS), consisting of a significant amount of rubber and bound with an elastic polymer, such as polyurethane, has proven to be capable of reducing the tyre/road noise with 8 to 12 dBA. A limited durability was one of the major obstacles for its use. Since 2009 a consortium of twelve EU partners is working on the development of a useable type of PERS in the EU funded PERSUADE project. All relevant aspects are being considered and for all remaining problems one tried to find a solution. Mixes which at least perform well in the laboratory have been found and these are currently tested on road test tracks. This paper summarizes the current project status.
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