The REM and noise
As with any transportation system, the REM makes some noise and generates a certain amount of vibration when in operation. In order to limit the automated light rail system’s impact on local residents, these factors were studied and taken into account right from the infrastructure design stage. At the same time, mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project.
The three sections below explain our teams’ overall approach to the complex subject of noise in a project like the REM.
Noise 101
What is noise? How it is measured? That's what we explore in Noise 101.
Mitigation measures
What noise levels can we expect from REM traffic? What mitigation measures are planned? We answer your questions here.
From theory to practice
The entire REM project is governed by a decree set by the Quebec government. In this section, we outline the regulations related to noise.
Sound analyses: Current status
All efforts are now focused on the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches, in preparation for their upcoming commissioning. Various elements, including noise, need to be analyzed before the entire network can be opened.
Since June, data has been collected in real-life conditions as part of dynamic tests on the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches. During these tests, REM cars have run between the Saint-Eustache maintenance yard and Du Ruisseau station, as well as between Des Sources and Anse-à-l’Orme stations. The aim is to verify that the noise levels generated by REM cars in operation and the mitigation measures deployed comply with the regulatory framework set by the Québec government.
Depending on the results, additional mitigation measures could be added. We will be informing local residents of the analysis results in the coming months.
Did you know?
Over the summer, our team met with residents living near the REM at seven coffee meetings, which drew some 400 people. The aim was to present our approach to taking into account the noise generated by the REM, particularly the sound analysis process carried out by our experts.
The informational posters presented at these meetings are available to download here.
What about the rest of the network?
The same sequence of car circulation tests and dynamic tests will be applied to the rest of the network. The next step is to extend the dynamic tests to Central Station, once work on the Mount Royal Tunnel has been completed. When cars begin running in that sector, more sound data will be collected.
The process in a nutshell
Our overall approach to noise analysis involves several stages and is in line with the regulatory reference framework with which the project must comply. Here is a summary:
| Environnement without the REM | REM car traffic | REM in service | |||
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1. Sound analysis Pre-REM measurement of environmental noise levels |
2. Sound modelling Estimated noise levels if REM cars were running |
3. Mitigation measures Addition of mitigation measures according to the characteristics of the sector and degree of impact obtained by modelling to achieve a low or zero impact level |
4. Sound analysis Measurement of noise levels while REM cars are running and comparison with sound modelling results |
5. Mitigation measures Adjustment of mitigation measures as required, depending on the characteristics of the sector and the degree of impact, to achieve a low or zero impact level |
6. Regular sound monitoring Carried out once the REM is commissioned, then renewed periodically |