The world is undergoing a public transport revolution. What had previously looked like a dying and underfunded mode of transportation is seeing significant investment – but some of those new projects face disruption over noise concerns.

Thankfully Echo Barrier is here to help keep projects on track and on budget.

What is the situation?

Megaprojects are popping up the world over – with London’s The Elizabeth Line among the most recent new public transportation systems. Conversations over brand new systems like Aberdeen Rapid Transit and HS2 remain ongoing.

While these projects can vary from light rail to trams and trolleybuses, there is one common denominator. Noise complaints from local residents are putting them under threat – leading to extended projects and cost overruns.

The proximity of works to residential areas brings with it a heightened risk of complaints, which if upheld, could stop a project in its tracks altogether.

Major projects blighted by complaints include HS2, which was hit with more than 800 complaints in just six months – with the inevitable noise from such a major project among the ongoing and pressing issues for local residents.

Noise abatement measures such as those offered by Echo Barrier are therefore a necessity for those looking to stay on the right side of the law.

How can Echo Barrier help?

Echo Barrier’s team of leading acoustic engineers have been trusted by the public transport industry for decades.

Our world-leading barrier technology means our products can reduce noise from rail, light rail and tram works by as much as 90%.

That reduces the need to undertake work during the daytime, which in turn can ease the pressure projects have on existing systems during peak hours.

All our barriers are designed to be easy to transport, install and disassemble – making them an even better fit for the transport industry. Simply unhook barriers from the fence to move them along to the next source of noise with minimum manpower.

We’ve already helped the London Underground and the then Crossrail project to cut out the complaints and minimise disruption. And we’re now working with HS2 to combat their noise issues.

That work also includes improvements to existing networks.

When Track Partnership needed to undertake lengthy and costly track improvements at Earls Court Station, they brought in Echo Barrier to assist.

Passenger experience was a substantial factor in the Track Partnership’s decision to undertake the majority of work in the quiet Christmas week, so considerations were taken to protect against noise and dust disruption which could affect those still using the station and those living in the residential area nearby.

Noise reduction barriers were erected on 19th December by the Echo Barrier team. They were taken down again on New Years Eve to coincide with the reopening of the District Line and the handing back of the station to ensure the safe passage of revellers in and out of London.

The project was delivered on time and on budget.

View our array of multi-award-winning barriers here or contact us today to find out how we can help your project.