Request ID: FOI-0749-2223 Date published: 19 July 2022
You asked
When were the noise levels checked? An exact date I mean.
How were they checked?
What levels did they reach?
When were the rails last grinded? Again an exact date please.
When is the next grinding due to take place? Exactly please.
How high are the levels in the other places that you say are of higher priority?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0749-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 June 2022, asking about noise on the Northern Line.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
When were the noise levels checked?
They were checked on 17 May 2022. They are due to be measured again on 20 July 2022.
How were they checked?
Noise measurements are taken in the train operators cab, as the noise is being measured from an occupational health perspective.
What levels did they reach?
The highest noise measured sound was 103.1dB Amax (for 1/10th of a second) this was between Camden and Kentish Town stations. The average sound levels from station to station were;
Euston to Camden Town 89.3dB Aleq
Camden Town to Kentish Town 90.6dB Aleq
When were the rails last grinded?
The rails were last ground on 29 and 30 March 2021.
When is the next grinding due to take place?
The rail grinding train is due to grind on the Northern Line in July and August, however there is no capacity in the grinding program to capture between Euston and Kentish Town stations. The grinder is next due on the line in February and March 2023. A request has been made to add this site to the priority list for grinding. In the meantime we have put a temporary speed restriction in place which has reduced the noise.
How high are the levels in the other places that you say are of higher priority?
The program for July and August has it’s priority set by the maintenance need to remove defects from the rails to ensure the safety and reliability of the rails.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
