When were the tracks (rails, sleepers, and fixings) last replaced/improved on the tube lines below the Barbican estate and at and since that time: - what standards and requirements to minimise noise pollution for residents living above and near the London Underground tracks running beneath the Barbican Estate were specified in the planning and design, commissioning, procurement and construction of the existing tracks? - what measures have been and are taken in regular inspection and maintenance to minimise noise and vibration generation and transmission from track and trains and how often are the tracks inspected? - what consideration has been given to reducing ground and air borne transmission of noise and vibration, such as by introduction of special fittings including the “fastclip” sleeper/fixing system? - what assessment has been made of the impact which the introduction of concrete sleepers has had on noise and vibration? - what other improvement measures have been introduced by TfL during or since the last track replacement to any aspect of the tube lines running below the Barbican estate which could have some impact on the transmission of noise and vibration to the flats above? For example, has an automated braking system been applied?

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TfL Ref: FOI-0642-1819

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 June 2018 asking for information about tube tracks.

Your request has been processed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you requested. You asked:

1)When were the tracks (rails, sleepers, and fixings) last replaced/improved on the tube lines below the Barbican estate and since that time?

Part of the track on the Outer road was renewed in October 2017 and on Inner road in June 2018. Further works are planned in this area during September 2018.

2)What standards and requirements to minimise noise pollution for residents living above and near the London Underground tracks running beneath the Barbican Estate were specified in the planning and design, commissioning, procurement and construction of the existing tracks?

Fastclip sleepers with a rubber underpad are installed for the track that has been renewed. All rails joints are welded (where practicable) to minimise any noise around the joints.

3)What measures have been and are taken in regular inspection and maintenance to minimise noise and vibration generation and transmission from track and trains and how often are the tracks inspected?

Tracks are inspected regularly twice a week.

4)What consideration has been given to reducing ground and air borne transmission of noise and vibration, such as by introduction of special fittings including the “fastclip” sleeper/fixing system?

Please see reply to item 2 above.

5)What assessment has been made of the impact which the introduction of concrete sleepers has had on noise and vibration?

Please see item 2 above.

6)What other improvement measures have been introduced by TfL during or since the last track replacement to any aspect of the tube lines running below the Barbican estate which could have some impact on the transmission of noise and vibration to the flats above? For example, has an automated braking system been applied?

The current installation of concrete sleepers is with rubber underpads. There is no automated braking; joints have been removed and improved where practicable.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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