Noise prevention during construction

As construction intensifies in the Pretoria, Centurion and Hatfield, residents are assured that noise levels are checked daily to minimise any inconvenience caused.

Noise measurements are taken at strategic points around construction sites. These sensitive receivers scientifically monitor the noise caused by drilling, demolition and the movement of construction vehicles.

Daily records are checked by environmental specialists to ensure that the noise levels do not exceed the average standard for a particular area. Apart from daily routine monitoring, independent environmentalists also perform random spot checks to verify results.

Before any construction started, baseline studies were carried out to establish the standard noise levels in an area. The pre-construction results are now used as a benchmark in order to establish if noise levels have increased since construction has started.

There are approximately 18 monitoring points and readings are taken daily during working hours, which is between 6am and 10pm. When working at night readings are taken between 10pm and 6am.

The blasting of surface rock will not take place in the evenings between 10pm and 6pm when residents want to enjoy a quiet time at home. Blasting involves the removal of rock by using explosives which are detonated. It causes the ground to vibrate which could damage surrounding buildings if the process is not carefully executed.

Construction sites are also fenced off with panels which are up to three metres high.

Noise prevention is also involves the effective use of electronic devices which generate a low pitch siren which eliminate the high-pitched beeps which can be heard when construction vehicles are at work.

Should residents still experience above average noise levels, they are welcome to call the Gautrain call centre toll-free at 0800 GAUTRAIN or 011 428 87 246. Special noise investigations will be conducted if needed.

All these measures are in line with the requirements of a Draft Final Environmental Management Plan that ensures that communities and natural resources are protected during the construction of Gautrain.

Adherence to Gautrain’s Draft Final Environment Management Plan is a requirement of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment which also monitors all Gautrain’s noise reports.

All these factors contribute to making Gautrain one of the most significant environmentally sustainable rapid rail engineering projects in the world today.