Noise management strategy for Northern

To address the growing impact of railway noise along its network, Northern developed a strategic initiative aligned with national environmental policies and the RSSB Sustainable Rail Blueprint.

However, with numerous Noise Important Areas (NIAs) identified across densely populated agglomerations and vulnerable locations, the scale of the challenge required additional expertise. To support this effort, Northern enlisted the help of Encompass Engineering to create a comprehensive noise management strategy, prioritising key areas for mitigation and long-term monitoring.

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Background

Northern, a leading UK train operator, sought to align its noise management strategy with the requirements set by the Department for Transport (DfT), the RSSB Sustainable Rail Blueprint (SRB) and current environmental legislation. Their focus was on contributing to Flagship Goal 6 of the SRB, “A Quieter Railway,” by managing and reducing noise pollution along their routes. In addition to achieving compliance, they also wanted to deliver meaningful societal benefits.

The challenge involved identifying Noise Important Areas (NIAs), agglomerations and vulnerable areas (locations with high noise exposure or ecosystems or wildlife that are particularly disrupted by noise for example), and a need to address public noise complaints and better understand how these could guide targeted improvements. To help them achieve their noise objectives, Northern engaged Encompass Engineering to ensure that their mitigation measures delivered maximum societal benefit.

The brief

Northern required a comprehensive noise management strategy that would integrate long-term sustainability objectives with practical, actionable steps. The primary objectives included the detailed identification and categorisation of densely populated areas or clusters of settlements (agglomerations) and NIAs across the network. The strategy also needed to include provisions for ongoing noise monitoring, enabling Northern to adapt and refine their approach over time.

The importance of ecological sensitivity was an important consideration – especially with regards to vulnerable areas found along or near railway lines. The strategy aimed to identify and provide recommendations for further studies and investigations into these areas to better understand the adverse effects of noise on these vulnerable areas, while also addressing community concerns. By incorporating these elements, Northern aimed to create a strategy that balanced operational growth with environmental responsibility and societal benefit.

The solution

Our team stepped in to develop a comprehensive and tailored noise management strategy. The strategy established a framework for continuous noise monitoring, enabling Northern to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures and adapt them as necessary over time.

Here’s how we made a difference:

  • Environmental expertise: Leveraging our knowledge of ecological and environmental sciences, we identified and prioritised vulnerable areas, such as protected bat hibernation roosts. This ensured that these ecologically sensitive sites, which might otherwise have been overlooked, received focused consideration in the strategy.
  • Acoustic experience: Using our previous experience with noise monitoring, we identified 156 NIAs across the network. These were concentrated in densely populated agglomerations and strategically prioritised to maximise social impact and enhance the effectiveness of noise reduction efforts.
  • Project management: To ensure actionable outcomes, we developed a phased approach that prioritised immediate interventions while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Collaboration with local authorities, environmental organisations, and the community was central to our strategy, ensuring alignment with broader environmental and social objectives.
The result

The resulting strategy provided Northern with a clear and actionable roadmap for managing noise pollution across its network. By focusing on agglomerations and ranking NIAs according to social deprivation, the strategy ensured that efforts were directed toward areas with the greatest need and potential impact. Vulnerable areas were given special consideration, with actionable steps outlined to protect sensitive habitats from noise pollution.

With an emphasis on continuous monitoring and community engagement, Northern is now equipped to manage noise effectively while aligning with its sustainability goals. This strategy not only addresses immediate issues but also establishes a foundation for long-term improvement, contributing to the wellbeing of communities and the preservation of biodiversity.

This project demonstrates how we can provide crucial support in complex rail projects, offering a combination of engineering expertise, project management and comprehensive support services.

If your rail company has similar challenges, check out our comprehensive noise and acoustic consultancy services. Encompass can provide the expertise to create solutions tailored to your environmental and operational objectives. Get in touch to find out how we can help your business achieve your goals

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