Southdowns was commissioned by TfL London Overground to undertake an investigation into the options to mitigate ‘curving noise’ arising from Class 378 Electrostar trainsets passing through a tight railway curve in LB Hackney.
The curving noise was highly tonal and intrusive in character. The study included a comprehensive literature review, processing and examination of measured noise levels from a noise monitor located in the vicinity, as well as investigation into potential mitigation options, both physical and operational, which might benefit the nearby sensitive residential properties where complaints had been received.
The investigatory work subsequently focused on the development of a noise model and the prediction of the potential levels of sound reduction at the floors of the surrounding sensitive receptors that might be afforded by the installation of different configurations of lineside noise barriers. Proposals for further work were also put forward, which included review of the current wheel re-profiling regime, further calibration of the top of rail friction modifier and rail gauge lubrication systems and recommended approaches to a continuous noise monitoring system.
