Tube Noise written answers October 2020
Question No: 2020/3440
Andrew Dismore
When were noise levels last recorded at Mornington Crescent residential properties; what were those levels; and what solution do you propose to tube noise nuisance there?
Tube Noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 19 October, 2020
In July 2020 Transport for London (TfL) resumed its residential noise monitoring programme, with additional protocols in place to comply with social distancing guidelines. Since then TfL has carried out measurements at three properties in this area, most recently on 28 August 2020. The highest average recorded noise level was 43dB.
Due to the limited ventilation in this area, it is difficult to schedule rail grinding on this section of track. TfL is currently investigating other options in terms of noise and vibration mitigation and I have asked that TfL officers provide you with an update regarding this work as soon as further information is available.
Question No: 2020/3441
Andrew Dismore
At Warren Street, TfL has undertaken a number of interventions: what were the pre remediation residential noise levels; what were they reduced to; and have they increased again?
Tube Noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 19 October, 2020
Following a number of mitigation measures, noise levels from the southbound track in this area were reduced from around 45-48dB to 39dB when last measured in February 2020. Noise levels from the northbound track remained consistent in the low 40dBs.
The track in this area was recently assessed and rail roughness, which can lead to an increase in noise levels, was at relatively low levels. Transport for London will continue to keep this area under review for future interventions.
Question No: 2020/3442
Andrew Dismore
When was rail grinding last carried out on tube lines at or near Kentish Town; and when will it be next done?
Tube Noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 19 October, 2020
Rail grinding was most recently carried out in this area in August 2020. The rail grinding machine is next due on the Northern line in early 2021. I have asked that Transport for London officers provide you with an update on the programme as soon as it is finalised.
Question No: 2020/3443
Andrew Dismore
When was rail grinding last carried out on tube lines at or near Golders Green; and when will it be next done?
Tube Noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 November, 2020
Rail grinding was most recently carried out in this area in August 2020. The rail grinding machine is next due on the Northern line in early 2021. I have asked that Transport for London officers provide you with an update on the programme as soon as it is finalised.
On 21 September 2020 Transport for London (TfL) carried out a track inspection in this area, to gain a greater understanding of the track issues that are causing a disturbance for local residents. TfL is now reviewing any interventions that could reduce noise levels, and I have asked that TfL officers provide you with an update as soon as further information is available.
Question No: 2020/3444
Andrew Dismore
When was rail grinding last carried out on tube lines at or near Warren Street; and when will it be next done?
Tube Noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 November, 2020
Rail grinding was most recently carried out in this area in May 2020.
Transport for London (TfL) does not plan to carry out grinding on this section of track when the rail grinding machine is next due on the Victoria line later this year, due to the relatively low levels of rail roughness in this area. TfL will continue to keep this area under review for future interventions.
Question No: 2020/3445
Andrew Dismore
Further to question 2020/3118, you give the cause of noise at Finchley Central as being grinding, but at recent meetings with TfL, I have been told that it was due to the friction modifier being turned off. Which is it?
Tube noise [6]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 November, 2020
As set out in Mayor’s Question 2020/3118, Transport for London (TfL) carried out rail grinding at Finchley Central in June 2020. As this is a tight curve, train wheels are slowly wearing the rail back into a comfortable equilibrium, which is causing the noise. This is normal and is expected to reduce in time through the passage of trains.
At the September 2020 meeting with TfL to which you refer, London Underground’s Head of Track outlined that while a friction modifier has been installed in the area, TfL has not been able to activate it due to operational issues related to the impact on the braking performance of their fleet.
TfL is continuing to investigate fitting electrical lubricators to the track in this area, which apply lubrication to the track more reliably, which should further help reduce the noise as the rail beds in. I have asked that TfL officers provide you with a further update regarding this work as soon as further information is available.
