The HARMONOISE project intends to develop and validate methods for the assessment and management of noise from road and rail traffic. The project will build on the most recent scientific achievements in all member states and will also provide consensus amongst future users throughout the EC. For this purpose the consortium has a wide international and scientific background. The methods to be provided will be implemented as obligatory under the Directive and will thus find a wide use for purposes of noise planning, mapping, zoning, noise abatement measures and strategies and for compliance checks.