Request ID: FOI-3015-2223 Date published: 03 March 2023
You asked
Please confirm the main cause of excessive ground borne noise leakage into buildings and above ground from tube trains
We answered
TfL Ref: 3015-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 13 February 2023 asking for information about ground borne noise from London Underground trains.
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 main cause of excessive ground borne noise leakage into buildings and above ground from tube trains
There are many causes for ground borne noise, such as corrugation from rail tracks. However, our maintenance programme includes track improvements and continual rail grinding to remove defects on the rail surface in an effort to reduce noise and vibration.
Noise coming from our tracks can be from normal wear and tear, track faults or misaligned joints. We regularly inspect our track to ensure it is safe and reliable.
New building work across the city can also change the way that ground-borne noise and vibration is heard within properties. The vibration caused when metal train wheels roll over metal tracks is carried through the tunnel and the ground around it to nearby buildings. The walls and floors of these buildings can amplify the noise.
We monitor reported noise levels across the Tube network. To reduce it we:
Grind rails to remove corrugation - ridges or grooves on the rail surface can increase noise.
Replace worn rails.
Fix or remove broken or unnecessary rail joints used to connect two pieces of rail.
Use track lubrication systems to reduce wheel squeal noise.
Use resilient track fixings - a system that reduces ground-borne vibration from the track.
We are also:
Introducing modern new trains.
Limiting station announcements and using modern Public Announcement systems that minimise the volume by taking account of the background level.
Installing innovative under-rail pads in the noisiest sections of the London Underground network - helping reduce noise inside train carriages.
Working with suppliers and academics to innovate and develop new technology to reduce noise and vibration levels across the Tube network.
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
