Assessment of noise from rail infrastructure projects
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Greater reliance on rail transport is an expected and desirable outcome of government policies that aim to improve air quality and transport planning, and integrate land-use planning. The rail system can play a vital part in efforts to achieve sustainable cities and preserve the environment.
The benefits of rail are clear: less fuel used for transport and lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution as a result, reduced road congestion and better safety. On the debit side, however, noise from rail operations (including vibration) can have adverse effects on residents living near rail lines, often disturbing their sleep, causing stress and annoyance, and interfering with talking and hearing in general.
This interim guideline is designed to ensure that potential noise impacts associated with the ongoing expansion of rail developments are assessed in a consistent and transparent manner. It addresses noise and vibration from new rail infrastructure projects and does not cover impacts from existing rail operations.
The guideline proposes noise 'trigger' levels which, if likely to be exceeded by new rail development, will require an assessment of potential noise and vibration impacts and consideration of mitigation measures to ameliorate those impacts.
The guideline is being trialled for three years and during this period the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW welcomes feedback on its operation. Comments should be sent to:
Manager, Noise Policy Section
Department of Environment and Climate Change
P.O. Box A290
Sydney South NSW 1232
Fax: (02) 9995 5935
After the trial, a final guideline will be developed, based on the experience of its operation and feedback from practitioners and the community.
The guideline is just one component of a comprehensive approach being developed to manage the environmental impacts of noise and vibration from the NSW rail system. Effective management of rail noise will require the combined efforts of rail infrastructure owners and developers, rail operators, train manufacturers, regulatory and planning authorities, and the community. Other parts of this approach will include:
- a noise management manual for rail developments and operations
- a noise abatement program
- environmental impact assessment guidelines for rail developments
- an appropriate environmental planning instrument for new residential developments along rail lines
- rolling stock noise-emission standards.
Your privacy
Please note that any submissions on the interim guideline, including your personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the DECC records system. If you don't want to have your personal details disclosed to members of the public once the final guidelines have been adopted, you can prevent this. Just indicate in your comment that you wish your personal details to remain confidential to DECC and not available for public access.
- Find out more about your privacy rights on this website
- Contact your local DECC office for more information on the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act.
Contents of the interim guideline
Noise and vibration trigger levels
Assessment of noise and vibration impacts
Appendix I: Comparison of airborne noise levels for rail operations – national and international
References and further reading