LTA calls tender for rail noise reduction for Thomson-East Coast Line
They will be installed on stretches that include Springleaf to Lentor, and Bright Hill to Upper Thomson stations.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced a tender to install noise reduction devices along certain sections of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) in Singapore. This move comes in response to public feedback regarding elevated noise levels on the line. The devices, known as rail dampers, will be placed where track curvatures lead to higher noise emissions, including between Springleaf and Lentor stations, Stevens and Napier stations, and Bright Hill and Upper Thomson stations.
Rail dampers function by absorbing vibrations and mitigating noise produced by passing trains. In 2023, the LTA acknowledged that certain areas along the TEL might exceed the permissible interior noise threshold of 85 decibels LAeq, which is a standard for MRT lines in Singapore. The curved track alignment was implemented to conserve land and reduce travel times for passengers, despite increasing noise levels.
To address the noise issue, the LTA has already implemented measures such as slowing down trains in affected areas and smoothing the track surface through grinding. However, the authority continues to test noise reduction measures at specific locations, with initial results showing promising outcomes. Importantly, the installation of the dampers will not disrupt train services, as work will be carried out during engineering hours, typically during the overnight period when trains are not in operation.
The Thomson-East Coast Line, Singapore's sixth MRT line and the most recent to be operational, spans over 40 kilometers and includes two new stations, Bedok South and Sungei Bedok, in its final stretch. Managed by rail operator SMRT Trains, the TEL is set to see its final extension completed in the second half of 2026. The LTA remains committed to monitoring noise levels closely and adjusting its strategies as needed to maintain comfortable and quiet travel experiences for all passengers.
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