Noise from the REM in operation: Analyses and mitigation measures

When REM cars began to run more intensively in 2023, an unsatisfactory noise impact was noted in some areas on a portion of the REM’s first segment in operation.

Our team, in collaboration with international experts, set out to understand the situation and identify the right solution in the right place. Here we explain the process, the results of the analyses and the additional mitigation measures currently being deployed. 

A noise measurement campaign to better understand noise sources

A noise measurement campaign was launched for spring/summer 2023 to obtain an accurate picture of the current situation and determine the measures to be taken to reduce noise.

A total of seven sound level meters were installed in residential areas in Île-des-Sœurs, Pointe-Saint-Charles and Griffintown. Griffintown and Île-des-Soeurs show higher sound levels than those indicated by initial modelling. In those areas, the differences observed can be explained in part by changes in land use, the built environment and road traffic. The noise measurements also identified emergences (or “peaks”) associated with the passage of REM cars, averaging 10 to 20 dBA, depending on the area.

Our detailed report presents the results of this noise measurement campaign by sound level meter. In addition, acoustic characterization tests were carried out on the rail and tracks to provide more detailed data on noise sources.

Read the detailed report (French only)

A diagnosis to understand noise sources and identify targeted measures

The REM team awarded a contract to SYSTRA, whose acoustics experts have worked on the acoustics of light rail systems around the world. The aim was to carry out an acoustic diagnosis and identify concrete mitigation measures to reduce noise for all. 

From the noise measurements, SYSTRA’s experts have concluded that the main sources of noise emissions are:

• The transmission of vibrations from the track to the elevated structure, which creates a rumbling noise
• Contact between car wheels and the track, which generates a rolling noise

Following this comprehensive diagnosis, a sector-by-sector analysis was carried out to identify the right mitigation measure to deploy at the right place, based on the specific noise sources identified and the elevated structure components, which are unique to this branch.

Measurements at the source to reduce noise for all

The experts recommended two tried-and-tested noise-reduction measures that can be applied directly at source: acoustic rail grinding and the installation of dynamic absorbers on large sections of the route, as close as possible to residential areas.

Acoustic grinding, carried out using specialized equipment, reduces rail roughness. In other words, to “smooth” the track. Dynamic absorbers are used to reduce rail radiation, i.e. vibration propagation.

Following the implementation of these two measures, a reduction in total noise intensity of 5 dB to 10 dB at the source, for each passage, is anticipated. Such a reduction is equivalent to a 3- to 10-fold drop in noise levels compared to the current situation, as the noise reduction scale is calculated on an exponential, rather than linear, basis. 

L’installation de murs antibruit a aussi été étudiée. D’un point de vue ingénierie, la structure du REM peut accueillir des murs d’environ 2 mètres de hauteur. Cependant, compte tenu de la configuration et de la hauteur des résidences par rapport à la structure du REM dans plusieurs secteurs d’où émanent les plaintes, l’installation de murs antibruit ne générerait aucun gain acoustique significatif. De plus, cette mesure ne diminuerait pas le bruit pour tous, comme elle ne toucherait pas le bruit de grondement, une de sources de bruit identifiées, et aurait un impact limité, soit seulement sur les premiers étages des habitations.

Rapid rollout of identified measures 

The installation of absorbers began in mid-October and will continue until early December. At the same time, acoustic rail grinding will be carried out in early November on the entire segment between Île-des-Sœurs and Central Station, continuing as far as Brossard station. 

Noise monitoring at the source will be carried out to verify if noise reduction targets have been met. The results of this monitoring will be shared publicly.

This work will have to be carried out at night, as it is incompatible with network operations. To limit the impact, the network has been closing earlier, at 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday evenings, since mid-October, between Panama station and Central Station. A shuttle bus system is in place. Full details here.