Railway Noise Mitigation Framework in Europe: Combining Policies with the Concerns of the Railways

Abstract

Several European countries are implementing considerable railway noise mitigation programs, mostly consisting of noise barriers, retrofitting the freight fleet with composite brake blocks, and installing sound-proof windows. Nonetheless, both European and many national policies aim to further reduce railway noise. In addition, the WHO Noise Guidelines call for very low noise levels. Such additional noise mitigation is both costly and problematic for railways. Noise mitigation efforts must not undermine railway competitiveness, especially when considering that rail freight must cope with fierce intermodal competition and profit margins are low. Railways are a sustainable means of transport and must be promoted, if climate goals are to be achieved. It is therefore important that railway noise research resources are allocated in such a way as to take railway concerns into account. This can, for example, be achieved by focusing research efforts on the whole system including asset management and vibrations rather than only on noise. Also, it is useful to consider existing components of the track or the rolling stock, rather than developing additional ones. For trackside measures rare and ever shorter construction intervals, safety issues, track inspection requirements as well as life cycle costs must be considered additionally. Furthermore, annoyance studies must be critically appraised, and an evaluation is necessary to determine, if resources spent on noise mitigation are the most cost-effective method to achieve desired health goals.