NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Waverton and Wollstonecraft rail noise

Community update on action to mitigate rail noise impacts on the Waverton and Wollstonecraft railway section.

Sydney Trains operates the Sydney metropolitan rail network. The Waverton and Wollstonecraft railway section is located in a populated area, on some of the tightest curves on the network. These conditions generate high frequency rail noise when the wheel flange rubs against the rail and wheel squeal when the wheels stick and slip on the rail.  

Studies and mitigation strategies over the past two decades sought to reduce rail noise impacts for nearby residents, and the EPA has engaged with the local community, including the Waverton Wollstonecraft Rail Noise Action Group (WWRNAG).

The EPA has required Sydney Trains to take action to address noise concerns, including pollution reduction programs to identify the cause and possible mitigation methods.

2021 studies and EPA regulatory action

In 2021, the EPA commissioned an independent rail noise specialist to conduct a review of Sydney Trains’ operation and maintenance of the rail network at Waverton and Wollstonecraft. Based on the findings, the EPA determined that Sydney Trains had not performed adequate maintenance, which had resulted in increased noise.

The EPA subsequently issued Sydney Trains with a Penalty Infringement Notice for a breach of their Environment Protection Licence conditions.

During 2021, Sydney Trains also commissioned their own independent study of this railway section, examining rail acoustics, track engineering and wheel and rail dynamics to give further recommendations on noise mitigation measures. This report and the program of implementation was provided to the EPA in 2022.

Sydney Trains maintenance and rectification works

As a result of the 2021 studies and regulatory action, Sydney Trains undertook significant maintenance and rectification work between 2022 and 2024, including:

  • re-railing a section of standard carbon rail with head hardened rail
  • rail milling to remove all corrugation
  • rail grinding to correct rail profiles
  • installing additional Top of Rail Friction Modification (TORFM) units
  • trialling softer rail pads through the Wollstonecraft Station curve
  • adjusting the rate of change in height between the two rails lines in one of the curves along this section
  • implementing a five monthly rail grinding frequency and monitoring results to establish best practice
  • commissioning international experts to conduct a comprehensive wheel/rail interface review, encompassing rail profiles, grinding and quality assurance.

This maintenance and rectification work helps to mitigate and improve noise impacts on the community.

In addition to these completed works, Sydney Trains is continuing to review its grinding regime to optimise the maintenance cycle. It has also identified that the shape of the rail in the area may be altered to reduce noise output and has committed to implementing these actions.

Outcome of Sydney Trains works and EPA review

In 2024, following the completion of the key rectification works, the EPA engaged an independent rail noise consultant to review the outcomes and provide a foundation for the next steps forward.

The EPA’s review identified that Sydney Trains had made considerable efforts to implement the recommendations in the 2021 studies. Nevertheless, the review found that noise impacts remained an issue in the area. The review recommended that interim measures of low-height noise barriers with noise monitoring should now be pursued.

Next steps – Feasibility study of low-height noise barrier

As a condition of Sydney Trains Environment Protection Licence, the EPA has required Sydney Trains to engage an independent, appropriately qualified person to conduct a feasibility study for the installation of low-height noise barriers.

This study will include technical, financial and operational feasibility, an overall recommended option and recommendations on how to best assess performance through noise monitoring, including prior to and following installation. This study is due to be provided in late 2025.

In addition, Sydney Trains is also continuing to purse actions to improve longer term outcomes, including a review of their rail grinding process, friction control products and optimisation of the rail profile.

More information