Maybe One Day Something Will Be Done About the Noise the Elevated Train Makes Along Broadway!
Dear Ms. Shelton:
In response to your inquiry into what improvements can be made to reduce train generated noise in the Kingsbridge area, Environmental Engineering conducted a street level survey of noise from passing trains on the elevated line along Broadway from 242nd St. station to the 225th St. station on June 1, 2010.
A total of 25 noise measurements were made at 14 locations along Broadway below and between the 242nd, 238th, 231st and 225th St. stations.
The highest noise level measured from train operations was a 103.2 dBA (Lmax) train horn signaling workers along the elevated track. Several soundings of this necessary horn were noted during the survey as track workers were doing work along the right-of-way.
Noise levels from rail gaps were detected all along the survey area. The highest levels were measured just south of the 242nd St station, 97.4 dBA (Lmax) and particular gap clusters were noted in the area around 238th St., 95.8 dBA (Lmax). All detected gaps measured along the survey route ranged from 82.7 to 97.4 dBA (Lmax).
Measurements of wheel squeal below the crossover at the south end of the 242nd St. station ranged from 93.6 to 98.3 dBA (Lmax).
These levels are within the range expected along the right-of-way for an elevated structure in New York City. However, it may be possible to reduce these noise levels by inspecting the track in the subject area and attempting to reduce or eliminate several of the rail gaps in certain areas. I am forwarding a copy of this report to the NYC Transit Department of Track and requesting an inspection of the tracks in this area. I have provided details of locations where rail gaps were observed as well as other sources of noise levels that may be able to be addressed.
It was a pleasure meeting with you and Petr Stand a few weeks ago and having you join us on our survey this past Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Tom Carmody
APMIII
CPM/Environmental Engineering, MTA-NYC Transit