Noise is an important safety precaution at level crossings, with horns and bells designed to be noticed by anyone nearby. Removing the crossings means these disruptive sounds will be a thing of the past.
The elevated rail solution presents opportunities to address noise and vibration by designing and building mitigations into the structures themselves.
With elevated rail some areas may experience a decrease in train noise, while in other areas train noise may be heard where it was not before. However, it is unlikely noise levels will be higher than currently experienced by those closest to the existing rail line.
As the design progresses more information on the level and type of noise, and where the trains can be heard, will be explored through noise modelling to identify what, if any, other mitigations are needed to reduce the overall impacts.
The project will be required to comply with State Planning Policy 5.4 – Road and Rail Transport Noise, which sets targets and limits for noise.
Generally elevated rail solutions tend to produce lower vibration levels compared to at-grade ballasted track. This will continue to be explored as the design progresses.
Noise Impacts
A frequently asked question is what the noise impact of elevated rail will be for the community.
With the rail at grade, train noise currently travels directly to surrounding buildings. Elevating the rail will change how noise is dissipated.
Noise Modelling
While the structure’s design and how it impacts noise levels is yet to be determined, we can provide some general information about what to expect from noise, based on early noise modelling completed of a typical elevated rail structure. *You can listen to noise modelling for Mint Street and Oats Street here:
*This noise simulation is based on very early elevated rail designs with no noise mitigation in place. It is an example of how much quieter the area will become without the level crossing as the sirens are gone, the sound of cars travelling over the tracks is gone and the trains are raised into structures that help to reduce noise.
As the designs progress, modelling will continue to identify what, if any, additional measures can be put in place to reduce train noise as much as possible. For the best listening experience we suggest listening through good quality over the ear headphones, as speakers and earbuds can distort the sound.
Mint Street noise modelling:
Oats Street noise modelling:
For more information on Noise Impacts, download our Fact Sheet.
Transmission Lines
Planning for the removal of these crossings is still in the early stages and while we do not yet have detailed information regarding transmission lines, we will work closely with Western Power to ensure the best outcomes for residents located near the project area.
Heritage
As a signatory to a Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement, and in compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act, we will follow relevant processes to ensure Aboriginal heritage is identified and protected during project planning, and management controls are documented and implemented during construction.