I wish to know the following information regarding excessive noise on the Northern Line: CAUSE OF EXCESSIVE NOISE ON THE NORTHERN LINE 1. What information does TFL have as to the cause or causes of the excessive noise on tube trains running between Camden Town and Euston on both the Charing Cross and most particularly the Bank branch and also between Angel and Bank? (The noise appears to arise from the running of the wheels on the track in the tunnels.) REMEDIAL AND REPAIR MEASURES TO CURB AND REMOVE EXCESSIVE NOISE ON THE NORTHERN LINE 2. What information does TFL have as to what remedial and repair measures are being proposed to curb and remove the excessive noise on tube trains running between Camden Town and Euston on both the Charing Cross and most particularly the Bank branch and also between Angel and Bank? 3. If so, when are such measures and repairs likely to be commenced? I make this application under section 8(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and/or regulation 5(1) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

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Our ref: FOI-1626-2021/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 November 2020 asking for information about noise on the Northern Line.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

1. What information does TFL have as to the cause or causes of the excessive noise on tube trains running between Camden Town and Euston on both the Charing Cross and most particularly the Bank branch and also between Angel and Bank?

(The noise appears to arise from the running of the wheels on the track in the tunnels.)

In terms of the noise between Camden Town and Euston (Bank Branch only), we installed a product called Pandrol Vanguard (PV) to mitigate residential noise in this area and other areas across the network. PV proved to be successful in addressing residential noise, however overtime noise started to develop in the tunnels which is being experienced on some parts of the network.

We are not aware of any noise issues between Angel and Bank on the Northern line. The last in train readings we have, from February 2020, show the noise to be an average of 73.5dB which is quite good for a tube train. For example continuing on the line from Bank to Kennington is 80.1dB which is a typical tube train noise level.

We will take some updated readings to confirm if the noise level has increased and the type of noise.

REMEDIAL AND REPAIR MEASURES TO CURB AND REMOVE EXCESSIVE NOISE ON THE

NORTHERN LINE

2. What information does TFL have as to what remedial and repair measures are being proposed to curb and remove the excessive noise on tube trains running between Camden Town and Euston on both the Charing Cross and most particularly the Bank branch and also between Angel and Bank?

To help address noise across the network, we install track lubrication (where possible) to help with the screech which is as a result of the curve and the cant of the rails. In addition to this, we also grind the rails where applicable to remove corrugation which is formed as a result of the PV. Grinding take place roughly twice a year in known noise site, however this depends on resource availability.

3. If so, when are such measures and repairs likely to be commenced?

This is an on-going process, however the effects of grinding only lasts for up to 16 weeks in some cases. Therefore, the noise is likely to return. Grinding is currently planned to take place again in the Camden Town to Euston section of track Spring 2021.

We are investigating engineering solutions to allow the removal of PV, whilst continuing to mitigate residential noise.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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