Request ID: FOI-1240-2122 Date published: 24 September 2021
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I wrote to you about 2 years ago regarding the noise on the Central Line (Leyton - Bank), it sounds like some sections of track have been renewed, but the noise on the Bethnal Green eastbound is seeming to get worse every journey I make. Is there some form of document I could view to see for future Central Line track improvements? Could I also have a document of the track improvements for the past year.
Is there any time track maintenance will take place in the eastern part of the Central Line?
Yours faithfully,
We answered
TfL Ref: 1240-2122
Thank you for your request received by us on 29 August 2021 asking for information about track improvements on London Underground’s Central 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. You asked for the following:
I wrote to you about 2 years ago regarding the noise on the Central Line (Leyton - Bank), it sounds like some sections of track have been renewed, but the noise on the Bethnal Green eastbound is seeming to get worse every journey I make.
Is there some form of document I could view to see for future Central Line track improvements? Could I also have a document of the track improvements for the past year.
Is there any time track maintenance will take place in the eastern part of the Central Line?
We can advise that the noise near Bethnal Green’s eastbound rail track is the Pandrol Vanguard track form installed to reduce ground borne vibrations for neighbouring properties. Unfortunately, this track form causes high levels of high pitch and roaring noise inside the train and tunnel. Current mitigation to reduce this noise is to grind and smooth the rail surface, although the effects only last a few months.
Our rail tracks are regularly patrolled and inspected; whenever a fault is identified track maintenance is arranged to rectify the fault. Additionally, a rail grinding train runs every nine to twelve months smoothing any rough rail surfaces, helping with noise reduction.
Please see the following for details of work completed or in progress at our stations on the eastern part of the Central line recorded on a financial yearly basis:
Bank: Platform 6 167m Deep Tube Track Renewal Completed: 2019/20
St Pauls to Bank 244m Deep Tube Track Renewal Completed: 2019/20
Stratford to Leyton 1300m Deep Tube Track Renewal. In progress, completion due: 2022/23
Future works in the pipeline for 2022/23 to 2023/24
Leyton Platform One to Stratford 700m Ballasted Track Renewal
Stratford to Leyton Platform Two 694m Ballasted Track Renewal
Leyton to Stratford 1173m Re-rail Flat-bottom Conversion
Liverpool to Bethnal Green 120m Deep Tube Track Renewal
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
