As the frequency of MRT trains increases and the 24-year-old MRT system ages, residents living close to MRT viaducts could experience higher noise levels - an issue that already plagues some.
Hence, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is embarking on an island-wide study to identify locations that require special attention to reduce noise, even as it kicks off a pilot project to install low-noise barriers near Bishan MRT Station, by the middle of next year.
And similar barriers could be installed at other locations, depending on the outcome of the LTA’s noise measurement study, which will cover more than 500 blocks located close to MRT viaducts or open tracks.
Currently, trains entering or leaving Bishan MRT Station go through a tunnel, which has a unique design that amplifies noise when trains exit from it, because of what is known as the “trumpet effect”, said the LTA.
As the train tracks are just 26m to 35m from the nearby six-storey Blk 503 at Bishan Street 11, the rumblings have been a nuisance for some residents.
Mr Chua Pau Huat, who has been living on the third storey for the last 20 years, tries to shut out the noise by closing his windows.
He said it was worse in the mornings as trains pass by more frequently. “The noise is very loud, and I can’t hear the television each time the train goes past. You can ask the rest of the residents, they also have the same problem,” said Mr Chua.
A resident on the fifth floor who only wanted to be known as Madam Chong, said that she could not hear a thing when talking on the phone, because of the noise from the trains.
On the other hand, Madam Maimunah Ismail, who lives on the second floor, described the noise as tolerable.
For now, the LTA said the train noise is within 80dB to 85dB, which is like listening to loud music in a room. The barriers are expected to reduce noise by at least 5dB - to within 75dB to 80dB- which would be like listening to someone practising on the piano, said LTA.
The 2m tall barriers will stretch 180m and are insulated with materials such as rockwool, which absorbs noise. They will extend at least 25m into the tunnel.
The LTA will call for a tender to install the barriers at Bishan later this month. Work is expected to begin in September and will be completed by the second quarter of next year.
The LTA said the installation of noise barriers is a complex procedure, which can be done during non-operational hours, typically between 1.30 am and 4am. Drilling works will go on for about a month and residents would be informed about this.
