Montreal’s REM Light Rail to Utilize Noise-Reducing Solutions

MONTREAL – REM seeks noise-reducing solutions after local noise complaints of passing trains from its new light-rail system.

Montreal’s light-rail system, REM, that runs from Montreal to Brossard, will see noise-reducing measures after complaints. CTV News in Montreal reports REM’s contractor, CDPQ Infra stated “it would install noise barriers and sound ‘absorbers’ along the tracks, in addition to grinding down the rails to reduce squealing.” REM is scheduled to open this summer, and “the final testing phase is underway.” 

In response to the complaints, REM also mentioned its current efforts in “taking action to improve it as much as possible.” These efforts, according to the company, include “installing dynamic absorbers along 240 meters of the route to test their effectiveness, and [pre-ordering] others to cover all problem areas.” According to Pierre Barrieau, an urban planning expert, noise-reducing measures would include planting trees and replacing double-pane windows of nearby homes with triple-pane alternatives.

These measures are not expected to delay REM’s opening.