AUTOMATED LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (ALRT) IN VANCOUVER, CANADA: MEASURED AND PERCEIVED NOISE IMPACTS

This paper analyzes the wayside noise impact of the Automated Light Rail Transit (ALRT) in the Broadway Station and Nanaimo Station areas of Vancouver, Canada. The research objective was twofold: to establish a relationship between noise levels and the distance to the ALRT guideway, and to relate residents' noise perceptions to the measured noise. In April 1986, noise measurements and a survey of residents' perceptions were undertaken by the School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia. Using this base data, the 24-hr L sub eq was calculated. The analysis indicates that the relationship between noise and distance is semilogarithmic. An L sub eq of 55 dB or more, after adjustments to the 24-hr L sub eq based on criteria for previous community exposure to ALRT noise and background noise in the neighborhood, defines the zone of high impact. The distance from the ALRT guideway at which noise levels are unacceptable ranges from 20 to 200 ft. The Vancouver ALRT system was planned and built on the basis that only those properties within the ALRT right of way were to be acquired and noise impacts were not important. The experience since 1986 and this research indicate that noise impacts are important and should be mitigated. It is possible to establish measured zones of high impact. Planning goals must necessarily include the preservation of environmental quality. Prevention and mitigation of negative impacts must be part of the system's planning.

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 13-24
  • Monograph Title: Current environmental research in transportation
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00495456
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309049512
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jul 31 1990 12:00AM