I would like information about the crossrail tunnel running under Galsworthy Avenue, E14 7SH: How deep is the crossrail tunnel at the point where it crosses Donaghue Cottages? Is there likely to be any noise/vibration impact on the street level once crossrail is running? What is the level of sound in dB during a train crossing? Is the potential for noise/vibration in houses greater/less than for existing underground lines? Impact on structural integrity of houses/extensions (chance of fractures developing)? Speed the crossrail trains will run at below this property?

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TfL Ref: FOI-2429-1920

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12 November 2019 asking for information about Crossrail.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our Information Access Policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you requested. You asked:

How deep is the Crossrail tunnel at the point where it crosses Donaghue Cottages?

The crown of the Eastbound running tunnel passes under Cottages 18 and 19 Galsworthy Avenue, at a depth of approximately 17m below ground level (approx. 9m below Ordnance datum).  The crown of the Westbound running tunnel passes under Cottages 2 and 3 Galsworthy Avenue at a depth of approximately 29m below ground level (approx.. 19.5m below Ordnance datum).  

Is there likely to be any noise/vibration impact on the street level once Crossrail is running?

The noise and vibration impacts of Crossrail are presented in the Crossrail Environmental Statement (ES) which can be found on the Crossrail website (http://www.crossrail.co.uk/about-us/crossrail-bill-supporting-documents/).  Donaghue Cottages on Galsworthy road are located in Route Window C9 of the Crossrail Environmental Statement.  Volume 2 of the ES presents the environmental impacts of Crossrail in route window C9 and the assessment of the groundborne noise and vibration from the operational railway is in paragraph 8.12.69 on page 310 “The mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the design will ensure that there are no significant residual impacts from operational vibration or groundborne noise.”

What is the level of sound in dB during a train crossing?

A significant groundborne noise impact for residential property is defined in the ES as 40 dBLAmax,S or greater.  The predicted levels of groundborne noise are presented in the Noise & Vibration Specialist Technical Report Volume 8. Figures produced at the same time as the ES and which can also be found on the Crossrail website Crossrail Groundborne

Groundborne Noise Contours for Route Window C9, are presented.  The predictions show values of between 25 dBLAmax,S and 30 dBLAmax,S i.e. well below the levels for a significant impact on residential property.  In fact these values are the significance levels and design criteria for concert halls and recording studios.  For further information on groundborne noise and vibration from Crossrail please see Information Paper D10 which can be found on the Crossrail website Crossrail Noise and Vibration

Is the potential for noise/vibration in houses greater/less than for existing underground lines?

There are no existing underground lines in the near vicinity of Galsworthy Cottages.

Impact on structural integrity of houses/extensions (chance of fractures developing)?

There will be no impact on the structural integrity of houses/extensions or chances of fractures developing in residential properties on Galsworthy Road E14 7SH as a result of groundborne noise and vibration from the operation of Crossrail (the Elizabeth line). 

Speed the Crossrail trains will run at below this property?

Trains will run at line speed (100 kph).

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

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

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London

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