Addressing Noise Fatigue from Prolonged, Cumulative Exposure and Infrastructure Works and MRT Operations in Yio Chu Kang

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Acting Minister for Transport regarding noise from North-South Corridor works and MRT tracks in Yio Chu Kang

a.          whether noise mitigation efforts account for residents’ noise fatigue from prolonged, cumulative exposure;

b.          what is the maintenance regime for existing noise barriers; and

c.           whether barriers will be proactively installed along MRT tracks to support rising population density.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.          Noise mitigation measures are put in place to ensure that cumulative noise levels from construction sites and MRT viaducts are within the National Environment Agency’s guidelines for prolonged exposure. Noise barriers are installed along MRT viaducts that are very close to residential developments. These barriers undergo regular maintenance to ensure they remain effective. For construction sites such as for the North-South Corridor, contractors are required to carry out localised noise impact assessments prior to new construction works. Where necessary, they must deploy noise barriers, noise enclosures and fit mufflers on machinery to reduce noise levels.

2.          The impact of railway noise is monitored through regular noise measurements and in response to feedback from residents. Where noise levels are found to have exceeded guidelines, further mitigation measures such as additional noise barriers will be implemented.