How will the noise change and vibration compared to what exists today?
Continuous welded rail (CWR) will be installed throughout the entire corridor. The entire track will also have new ballast installed. The new ballast will be deeper than the existing ballast. Noise emanating from the track will be minimized with the use of CWR. The current rail is jointed rail. The installation of CWR will substantially reduce the noise effect from the track not only with passenger trains, but existing freight trains as well. Additionally, the weight of the new, high technology passenger trainsets is very light, thus, assisting with minimizing noise and vibration. The sensations felt in very close proximity to the track structure should be far less for passenger trains than freight trains. What is a “Quiet Zone”? What infrastructure improvements are required in order for a Quiet Zone to be implemented (both at street crossings and along the rail corridor)? What assurances can be given that a Quiet Zone can be implemented and fully complied with along the rail corridor?
