Government probe into noisy trains at Waverton and Wollstonecraft

AN INVESTIGATION is finally being launched into squealing trains along a winding harbourside rail track, and residents are relieved.

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WAVERTON and Wollstonecraft residents have welcomed an investigation into noisy trains on a winding track.

The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Sydney Trains to look into the problem.

“The railway curves sharply in parts of Wollstonecraft and Waverton causing wheel squeal and flanging, and this appears to be the main cause of the community’s noise concerns,” EPA’s metropolitan director Greg Sheehy said.

Locals are fed up with the train noise. Picture: Virginia Young

Sydney Trains has to provide a report to the EPA by the end of June 2016.

Residents set up a group called the Waverton Wollstonecraft Rail Noise Action Group lobbying for change.

They have been working with Sydney Trains and the EPA to address the issue and welcomed an investigation.

“The noise is quite bad … on hot days it’s worse,” resident Brian McGlynn said.

“It drowns out conversations and TV. It makes it difficult to keep windows open and cool the house at night.”

A Sydney Trains spokeswoman says they have already made ‘significant progress’ to reduce noise.

A Sydney Trains spokesman said they apply special lubricants to the track to reduce noise and regular inspections are carried out.

“Sydney Trains has already made significant progress to reduce rail noise in the area, working closely with the community and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority,” he said.

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