Noise is one of the most common environmental impacts from transportation systems including rail operations.  Train noise can often be controlled through modifications to the trains or tracks or through construction of low noise barriers or berms.  Information on the assessment of horn noise impact and a horn noise spreadsheet model are available on the Horn Noise page.  FRA relies upon the Federal Transit Administration noise and vibration impact assessment procedures  for assessing improvements to conventional passenger rail lines and stationary rail facilities and horn noise assessment.  A supplemental freight rail analysis spreadsheet tool was developed for the Chicago Rail Efficiency And Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program using the FTA procedures.

CREATE Freight Noise and Vibration Model

[Download MS Excel© Spreadsheet Model]

[Download Model User Guide]

High Speed Ground Transportation Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual

The FRA high-speed ground transportation noise and vibration impact assessment manual is for use in planning high-speed passenger train projects. This manual contains criteria and procedures for use in analyzing the potential noise and vibration impacts of various types of high-speed fixed guideway transportation systems. Also available for download is a companion MS Excel© spreadsheet model for use in completing general noise impact assessment.

Complete Document (4.79 mb /.pdf)

[Download MS Excel© Spreadsheet Model]

Also available is a background report by HMMH Inc. documenting noise and vibration measurements of European high-speed trains.

European Noise and Vibration Measurements (11.2 MB /.pdf)