Request ID: FOI-1902-2324 Date published: 25 September 2023
You asked
Stratford - Leyton
Greetings
It just gets noisier each time I do the journey. This is a FOI as to what mitigation measures are being taken.
We answered
TfL Ref: 1902-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on1 September 2023 asking for information about tube noise on the Central line between Stratford and Leyton. 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: Stratford to Leyton - It just gets noisier each time I do the journey. This is a FOI as to what mitigation measures are being taken.
The issue you ask about is something that our engineers are aware of, and is primarily caused by roughness which develops on the top surface of the rails over time. We currently manage the noise by grinding the rails around once per year to help keep the roughness as low as possible. Regretfully, due to limited resources, there will be occasions where we have to prioritise the areas with the very highest levels of noise and rail roughness.
In addition to the rail grinding, we’re also investigating ways of reducing the noise levels in the longer term on this section of the network. More information on how we’re tackling the noise can be found on our website at: www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/reducing-noise-and-vibration
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
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
