A report conducted by the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Authority says several design features of the planned elevated rail line between Caulfield and Dandenong will reduce noise compared to the existing at grade railway.
As part of plans to remove all level crossings on the busy Caulfield-Dandenong line, the Andrews Government is proposing a design centred on three elevated sections of rail viaduct.
The design has been met with opposition from some locals, who are concerned over the ‘skyrail’ being too loud, and an eyesore.
The report, released last week by the Level Crossing Removal Authority, aims to address at least one of those claims.
“The proposed design will alter how noise is generated and propagates throughout the rail corridor and surrounding community,” the Authority said.
“A range of design features will reduce the level of noise being generated, and noise walls will be included within the proposed design to further minimise noise transmission to the surrounding community.”
New continuously-welded rail track is predicted to reduce noise by 5 decibels (dB).
Further reductions in noise are predicted thanks to direct fix using resilient pads (6 dB),new station designs (0-5 dB), removal of the level crossings themselves (6-8 dB), reduction in horn soundings (3-6 dB), noise walls (5-15 dB) and vibration isolation (0-10 dB).
Gradient changes are predicted to result in between a 4 dB reduction and a 1 dB increase in noise.
While the factors act individually (i.e. they are not additive when combined), the study was clear enough for public transport minister Jacinta Allan to be convinced the elevated rail proposal would reduce the amount of noise made by the railway.
“The report confirms the elevated line will reduce train noise for local residents day and night,” Allan said.
“This $1.6 billion project will create greener, safer, quieter neighbourhoods, with less traffic, more trains and more open space.”
The full report is available here.