Noise from railway operations in Canada

Rail noise and vibration becomes an environmental concern when residential development is approved by Municipalities adjacent to railways without regard for the impacts o f exist ing and future railway operations.Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway have developed a set of guidelines which includes standards to reduce the incom patibility between new residential developments and exist ing railway corridors and yard facilities.Adherence to the guidelines ensures that appropriate measures are implement ed to mitigate the impacts o f rail noise and vibration, as well as minimizing the potential effects o f a derailment, collision or spillage.This paper will discuss the objectives o f the rail way's guidelines, CN 's experience with adjacent develop ment issues and the potential impact o f new complaints in older neighbourhoods.