http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=62r6e6fhkc7qx00h4a5vkq1f295du0fd2fgz17uup8yhlt5jh4 LTA Unveils Plans To Look Into Mitigating Railway Noise
1. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) today announced plans to look into mitigating railway noise on elevated tracks.
2. With an ageing MRT system that has been in operation since 1987 and increased train frequencies to better serve commuters, LTA recognises that some residents living particularly close to the MRT viaducts may experience increased noise levels.
Island-wide noise measurement study
3. As part of the plan to address railway noise, LTA will embark on a noise measurement study along the entire length of all elevated MRT tracks island-wide, which will cover more than 500 blocks of flats located close to elevated viaducts or turnouts. The study, which will be completed by the second quarter of 2012, will enable LTA to identify locations that require special attention. With this information, LTA will be able to look into appropriate noise mitigation measures for these locations.
Noise-barriers at Jurong East Modification Project (JEMP) and Bishan
4. LTA has installed Low Noise Barriers (LNBs) at the new viaduct and platform at Jurong East as it is quite close to some HDB blocks, within 15m at certain stretches. These LNBs will help reduce noise to the same levels before the implementation of JEMP as far as possible.
5. LTA will also pilot LNBs along the open tracks next to the Bishan MRT station, where the configuration of the MRT tracks and structures includes a tunnel portal that is located in close proximity to a block of flats. The unique design of the existing portal contributes to higher noise levels for the surrounding residents as train noise is amplified when the trains exit from the tunnel portal. LTA will call a tender for the installation of the LNBs at Bishan this month.
6. The installation of noise barriers is a complex procedure. Work can only be done during the narrow window when train services are not operating. The installation also has to take into consideration the different configuration of tracks. Work is expected to start in September 2011 and be completed by the second quarter of next year.
7. Says LTA Chief Executive Chew Hock Yong, "There will be some degree of rail noise in a densely-built environment like ours where the MRT was designed to serve residents along high-density corridors. For LTA, it is important that we find ways to keep these noise levels to a minimum. This island-wide study is an important step that will help us identify locations with higher noise levels and to come up with plans for appropriate measures. We have also listened to feedback from the public and that is one of the reasons why we are installing the noise barriers at Bishan due to its unique layout and location."
8. The island-wide study will be conducted concurrently with the multi-agency study jointly led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and LTA on road and rail noise which is currently on-going and expected to complete by the first quarter of 2012.
