Rail Noise Levels Across England, Modeled on a 10-Meter Grid

England's strategic noise mapping data for rail sources, modeled for 2017. It indicates 24-hour annual average noise levels (Lden) with separate weightings for evening and night periods. The data covers areas with populations over 100,000 and along Network Rail and HS1 traffic routes, produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to meet the Environmental Noise Directive.

Use Cases

• Assess population exposure to rail noise based on modeled noise classes from <54.9 dB to 75.0+ dB.
• Model noise pollution dispersion from major rail corridors based on a 10-meter grid receptor height.
• Support environmental impact assessments for rail infrastructure projects based on strategic noise mapping.
• Analyze noise levels in urban agglomerations relative to the 100,000 population threshold mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Data is modeled on a detailed 10-meter grid at a 4-meter receptor height.
• Noise levels are classified into six distinct bands from <54.9 dB to 75.0+ dB.
• Analysis was undertaken in 2017 to meet specific regulatory requirements (Environmental Noise Directive).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the 2017 modeling snapshot.

Provenance

Source

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Collection Method

Strategic noise mapping analysis undertaken in 2017.

Time Range

2017

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-29 22:06:18.238146; freshness should be verified.

Geography

England (specifically agglomerations with >100,000 population and along Network Rail/HS1 routes)