Roads for improving the urban environment. Socio-environmental studies in Oslo East 1987 - 2002

The rerouting of the Oslo East traffic system encompasses three tunnels supplemented with street closures, environmental streets and other local measures. From 1987-2002 a series of socio-environmental surveys were undertaken. In all 5 200 persons were interviewed. Exposure to traffic, road traffic noise and pollution levels were calculated for each respondent's dwelling. The rerouting has been an environmental succcess. The environmental load, and consequently people's adverse reactions to traffic-related exposures were considerably reduced from 1987 to 2002. The rerouting and local environmental measures have improved the environmental quality of the whole city area. Oslo East has become a "new" city area. The challenge is to keep future traffic increases from undermining the results.