Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Monitoring Noise Levels Along LRT Tracks and Building Noise Barriers to Alleviate Disruptions to Residents

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport

a.     whether LTA monitors the noise level of LRT track maintenance along all LRT systems; 

b.     if so, whether LTA will share the average noise level during maintenance operations; and 

c.     whether LTA will consider building noise barriers, whether permanent or temporary, to alleviate any disruptive noise levels during LRT maintenance periods.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport

a.     whether LTA monitors the noise level of LRT travelling along all LRT systems; 

b.     if so, whether LTA will share the average noise level for passing trains; and

c.     whether LTA will consider building permanent noise barriers to alleviate disruptive noise from passing LRT trains on nearby residential blocks.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.      Our Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are designed to operate closer to residential developments. LRT trains run on rubber tyres along concrete guideways, and hence produce less noise compared to Mass Rapid Transit trains. The noise generated by LRT trains passing near residential estates is within the National Environment Agency’s (NEA’s) guidelines.

2.     For temporary LRT maintenance works, including works being carried out overnight during engineering hours, the Land Transport Authority will put in place the necessary noise mitigation measures, such as noise blankets, to keep the noise levels within NEA’s guidelines.