The screeching emanating from the tracks of the Evergreen Extension was a problem for most of the summer but TransLink officials say they think they have finally have it under control.
Vivienne King, president and general manager of the BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC), which oversees SkyTrain, said grinding work on the tracks, particularly in the 2.2-km tunnel section between Inlet and Burquitlam stations, has had some positive results.
“Even some of the people that have got in touch with us are saying that the noise is improving,” she said. “I am very pleased to hear that.”
The issue first cropped up in Coquitlam Town Centre in July.
King said crews were dispatched to grind the tracks and some noise was expected for a couple of weeks as the rails adjusted to the train wheels. But when the problem persisted through the end of August and began becoming a bigger issue in the tunnel, more work was conducted.
“Our people have gone out and done more grinding,” she said. “The noise has dropped down and we are monitoring it. We are hoping it will drop down more.”
BCRTC receives an average of approximately 20 noise complaints throughout the entire SkyTrain system each month. Those figures jumped to 80 complaints per month during the summer, which she said was enough to get the attention of TransLink officials.
King said since the most recent rail grinding work was completed, the numbers for September have fallen to six noise complaints, with the majority of those related to the Evergreen Line.
“Steel on steel will always make a noise,” she said. “Our job is to get that to a level that is acceptable around the railway and for our customers.”
King added that in the future, her organization plans to communicate more with residents and customers in the area to better inform transit users of the maintenance procedures and noise issues.
@gmckennaTC
