Noise & Vibration case study
London Underground Step Free Access Project
Background
As part of a greener, fairer and healthier transport strategy, the Mayor of London has vowed to make travel through stations easier for people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs and anyone who struggles with their mobility. Octavius was awarded the contract to deliver ‘Step Free Access’ projects at Burnt Oak, Debden, Hanger Lane, Ickenham, Northolt, Sudbury Hill and Wimbledon Park stations. We were appointed by Octavius to obtain Section 61 (Control of Pollution Act 1974) consent from the relevant London Local Authorities for the durations of the projects.
Challenge
All the stations are in close proximity to sensitive residential receptors, and careful consideration was necessary to enable Octavius to deliver the works whilst limiting the noise and vibration impact. Working within London meant dealing with stringent construction noise and vibration constraints which are in place to help protect residents from the effects of construction work.
Solution
SRL’s dedicated team are specialists in this type of work and include people who have been involved with managing the noise and vibration impact of major construction schemes. Some of our team have previously worked for Local Authority noise teams, reviewing SEMPs/CEMPs and S61 (CoPA 1974) Applications for construction works. Therefore, we know how Local Authorities operate and the information they need to see in this sort of situation.
We worked very closely with all the Local Authority Environmental Health Officers to gain agreement on noise and vibration levels that were appropriate for each project and produced comprehensive S61 Applications with relevant noise and vibration predictions and construction method statements.
All Applications were consented by the Local Authorities, which aided in the timely completion of the projects by Octavius with minimal complaints received about noise and vibration from the construction works.
