Effectiveness of Noise Barriers, Low-Noise Pavement and Rail Modifications on Residential Noise Level Reductions

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Mr Jackson Lam asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a. over the past five years, how effective have existing noise barriers, low-noise pavements and rail modifications been in reducing residential noise levels;

b. how are their effectiveness measured; and

c. whether newer technologies or standards will be adopted.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1. Noise mitigation measures, such as noise barriers installed along rail and road viaducts and low-noise pavements, have been effective in reducing train and traffic noise levels by up to five to 10 decibels. Upon the installation of such measures, further noise measurements are carried out to verify that the resultant noise levels are within the National Environment Agency’s guidelines.

2. The Land Transport Authority will continue to explore new technologies for noise reduction, and adopt them where feasible and effective.