Noise Reduction for Ballasted Tracks: A Socio-Economic Assessment

Abstract

Transport infrastructure produces many externalities. Increased accessibility and the resultant economic development are among the most notable positive ones. Accidents, air and noise pollution, and other environmental issues, such as impacts on biodiversity, landscape and townscape, are the most important negative ones. In the case of railway infrastructure, noise and vibration impacts have a key effect on net social benefit. Noise and vibration reduction is crucial to achieve greater social benefits. In this context, the University of Southampton has been working on the Track to the Future (T2F) project, which is assessing, among other issues, how to produce a quiet ballasted track system that is also cheaper to maintain and renew. This paper considers combinations of engineering interventions that could reduce noise and vibration. These include under sleeper pads which attenuate ground vibration, rail dampers and noise barriers which reduce airborne noise. The effects on noise and vibration of under sleeper pads are determined using detailed engineering models. The overall benefits are then assessed for a notional section of track based on a typical route in the UK.

Noise reduction for ballasted track: A comparative socio-economic assessment

“…The initial work on this case study, as described by Ortega et al [9], assessed the economic effects of installing USPs on the route, focusing on the effects of the variables considered in the literature review, i.e. noise and comfort.…”

“…As indicated above, the valuation of these variables can vary widely and therefore needs to be adjusted to a particular case study. Table 1 shows the minimum, central and maximum values that were used for the route, and the basis for their selection is set out in [9]. In particular, the valuation of noise was set to £20 per dB change, implying an average initial noise level in the range of 50-60 dB, consistent with noise maps for the line between Portsmouth and Waterloo.…”

“…Previous work [8] by some of this paper's authors appeared to be the sole example of recent research on the social costs and benefits of USP installation. Further work in this area was, therefore, undertaken, as described in [9], to provide useful information for IMs and policymakers considering the use of USPs to upgrade existing track. The work described in [9] included a review of noise and other valuations associated with USP installation and the application of a CBA to a case study of hypothetical USP installation on a major commuter route in southern England.…”

“…Further work in this area was, therefore, undertaken, as described in [9], to provide useful information for IMs and policymakers considering the use of USPs to upgrade existing track. The work described in [9] included a review of noise and other valuations associated with USP installation and the application of a CBA to a case study of hypothetical USP installation on a major commuter route in southern England. This paper extends the work described in [9] to the installation of rail dampers or noise barriers and a comparative analysis of the resulting costs and benefits.…”

“…Following this introduction, the paper has four further main sections. First, the findings of the review described in [9] are summarised. Next, the expanded case study is presented.…”