Graphical abstract Display Omitted

Highlights • Structural equation modelling is used to reveal traffic noise antecedents. • Effect of lane number on traffic noise is dependent on the number of vehicles in a group. • Effect of road segment length on traffic noise is determined by the number and speed of vehicles in a group. • Road junction has clear direct effect on traffic noise. • A traffic noise prediction model using road characteristics was developed for local planners.

Abstract Urban road networks significantly influence traffic noise. However, existing studies have neglected the causal chain between road characteristics and traffic noise; thus, clarity on their influencing mechanisms is lacking. In this study, structural equation models were developed to explore the mediated effect of road characteristics on traffic noise through traffic flow using data from field measurement in Dalian City, China; paired comparisons of scenarios though microscopic and macroscopic traffic simulations were performed for further analysis. The results show that lane number influences traffic noise mainly in terms of the number of vehicles in a group (NVG). More lanes indicate increased traffic demand due to connected urban land, which increases the NVG and, in turn, increases noise intensity but decreases noise amplitude. The influence of road segment length (RSL) on traffic noise mainly depends on the suppression effect. A longer RSL allows for higher vehicle speeds, leading to increased noise intensity and reduced noise amplitude. This also indicates that traffic flows disperse more easily, decreasing the NVG and, in turn, reducing noise intensity and increasing noise amplitude. Road junctions (RJ), which are classified according to the presence or absence of traffic lights, have significant direct effects on both noise intensity and noise amplitude, which are both likely to increase as drivers accelerate or decelerate in the middle of the road segment. These findings provide a reference for local governments and urban planners when working to improve quality of life in urban areas.