Noise- Kingsbury Curve Track Noise Community Meeting

Dear Readers,

After all, we had a meeting with TFL regarding Track Noise which is making life unbearable for those who have houses near the track ( Uxendon Hill HA9. I am copying for your information and feedback.

Curtsey of Google.

Wednesday 6 October, 15:30-16:30

MS Teams

 

Attendees:

 

TfL

Duncan Weir, Head of Track

Anthony Smith, Track Engineer

Claude Snowdon, Noise, Vibration and Air Quality Lead

Emily Fisher, Engagement Officer – Local Communities and Partnerships

 

LB Brent

Krupesh Hirani AM

Cllr Gaynor Lloyd

Cllr Shafique Choudhary

Tim Martin

 

15 residents

 

1. Introductions
2. Background and challenges
   • Duncan Weir gave a summary of why the residents in the area are experiencing significant noise disturbance when Jubilee line trains travel along the track in the Kingsbury area. He explained that a combination of a number of factors is presenting the track engineering team with an ongoing challenge.
   • The noise in the area at the moment is much higher than TfL would like and we are working to bring this down. We apologise for the impact this is having on residents in the meantime.
   • There is a significant curve that trains have to navigate around. The noise is generated by the wheels of the trains as they interface with the rails.
   • There is also a minor instability on the embankment in the area.
   • Engineering’s first attempt to reduce the noise was through a trial application of lubricant onto the rails, which the trains would pick up and carry through the curve. Unfortunately this did not bring about the improvement we were hoping for (this relates to the train-borne frication modifier).
   • The northbound track is in good condition so we don’t believe there is anything causing the train the vibrate. The issue is that it is curved on the slight incline. The level of the cant (tilt of rails) is set by the engineering team based on the speed that the trains will operate at. TfL have put a higher cant on the track due to the expectation that the trains would run at a higher frequency and therefore a higher speed. Currently, due to a number of reasons including Covid, trains are not running at the speed anticipated. This is causing the wheels to slip on the rails causing squeal. People often think higher line speed means more kinetic energy so more noise but not the case here, as explained above.
   • The overall quality of the southbound track is not at the level TfL would ideally like. It requires more ballast and re-tampering as it is not as smooth and linear as it should be. Related to this is the fact that, at some point, bank stabilisation works will be required in the area. Civil Engineering are currently looking at this and Emily Fisher will keep residents and councillors updated.

 

3. Next steps
   • We are continuing our investigations into the application of a train based lubricant. This should mean that only the exact amount of lubricant needed is applied.
   • Any new trials or modifications take a lot of time as engineering must consider safety impacts. For example, if you don’t get the adhesion correct and reduce the friction too much that can affect the braking of trains. We expect we will be in a position to apply the applicators and commence a trial after 6 weeks lead time. Emily Fisher will keep residents updated.
   • To address the issue of the over-cant on the northbound track, there are two options. Firstly, TfL could increase the speed along the curve (localised higher speed), to stop the wheels slipping and causing the squeal. The second option would be for the engineering team to de-cant the track. The preference is to run trains at originally planned line speed. De-canting the track is far more difficult and would take a long time.
   • We have a number of interventions to continue with and after each trial we will then take measurements to see if there has been any improvement. We don’t plan to leave the situation unaddressed.
   • Emily Fisher will update residents on a fortnightly basis in addition to before and during any trials or works.

 

4. Questions
   • Krupesh Hirani AM: The noise from the trains is horrendous. Can trains to go at the right speed or a lower speed to keep the screech lower? Duncan Weir will investigate internally why the higher train speeds have not been introduced just yet despite many reassurances that it is coming. If categoric assurance is given that speeds won’t be increased then Duncan’s team will decant the track but given the significant amount of work that this will require, this is not something TfL would prefer to do if the speeds will be increased.
   • Krupesh Hirani AM: Given what has been experienced over past two years, why has TfL been so slow to address the issue even on a temporary basis? TfL can only apologise for the continued disturbance. This section of track is proving to be a challenge and the failure of the on-track lubrication trial was disappointing. Claude Snowdon has now been appointed as overall head of noise complaints and his addition to the team will be beneficial to addressing the continued situation.
   • Cllr Shafique Choudhary: The noise has been an issue for over three and a half years causing many problems for residents. Is there a problem with the levelling of the track especially on the bend? Because the track is on a curve, it needs to be on a cant. The speed of the train and the cant of the track need to be aligned. The current design is for travel at 35mph but trains are currently limited to 30mph which is causing the wheels to slip and a squeal sound to be heard.
   • Cllr Shafique Choudhary: Can some trees or protection be added to the bank to protect the area from noise? There was never such an issue until trees were removed from the bank. Trees will deflect some noise but there is a balance between this and their impact on the track infrastructure. In some cases, trees can help the bank stability but this may not be the case here. Action: Duncan and Anthony to speak to vegetation team to ascertain whether trees are an option here or impossible due to the instability of the bank.
   • Cllr Gaynor Lloyd: Will councillors and residents be informed in advance of any pilots and afterwards once new noise monitoring has been undertaken? Yes Emily Fisher will ensure stakeholders are aware in advance of any upcoming works or trials and will keep regular fortnightly communication ongoing in addition to this.
   • Yuri - Beverly Gardens resident: The thumping noise is a real issue. Would increasing the speed increase this? The track is fairly joint free in the area but if there are joints then they can be removed fairly quickly. If the thumping is being caused by points and crossings then there is little that can be done. Action: Duncan and Anthony to look into this individually.
   • Elaine and Spencer – residents: After nearly 40 years it is now impossible to spend time in the garden. The trees that previously shut out the noise have been removed. Windows and the back door has to remain closed. What has changed in the past three years to make this happen, any why were the trees removed? TfL need to undertake some Civil Engineering works on the embankment due to lack of stabilisation and root impregnation. This will help determine whether it is possible for trees to be on the bank. The embankment compounding can decrease track quality which then increases noise, so it is important the embankment issue is looked into. If trees are not suitable, TfL will look into the suitability a sound barrier but will need to consult with residents as barriers can sometimes have a negative impact on gardens and sunlight.
   • Praful Soni – Uxendon Hill resident: The noise is having a significant impact on the ability to sell property. TfL can only apologise and reiterate our commitment to resolve the issues causing the noise. There are however a number of contributing factors and it is difficult to find a solution quickly. It should not have gone on this long but this is not something that is easily resolved. We will continue to work until there is an improvement.
   • Harshal Padhye – resident: Can you give a timeline for when you expect the problems to be resolved and can a barrier be used instead of trees in the meantime? TfL does not remove trees unless there is a genuine safety need to. In this case it was due to the instability of the embankment. We will look at whether a barrier is an option although this will only mask the real issue which we will continue to work to address.
   • Karen and Mel – residents: Why can northbound trains be heard long before they turn up? The noise comes from the track. This is possibly due to the location of the property meaning the trains traverse the curve for some time before they pass the property itself.
   • Belinda – resident: Workmen at night are extremely loud (shouting, laughing, beeping horns, transporting, bashing and throwing materials) and reports to TfL seem to have no effect. This is unacceptable and we are extremely sorry to hear the report. Action: Claude/Emily to raise this with contractors.
   • Anne – resident: With reference to a World Health Organisation report and a study published last week in Denmark, expressed concern that the noise experienced by residents along the Kingsbury Curve is well above the noise limit and this could lead to higher instances of dementia in residents. TfL appreciate the significant concern caused and will continue to explore every avenue to address the cause of the excess noise.
   • Sue - resident: Workers and contractors park their cars and vans haphazardly on the grass verges which, particularly when wet, leave the verges in a terrible state. Action: Claude/Emily to raise this with contractors.
   • Sue – resident: Would it be possible to install a solid screen in front of the site near the S2 bridge? Previously a thin plastic sheeting partially covering the wire fencing ended up detached and blowing around before being removed. TfL will look into this. Whilst this barrier will have no impact on the noise from trains it will help mitigate work from any works taking place immediately behind the fence.