Noise reduction
Noise remediation continues as scheduled
| Noise remediation in Germany as of Dec 31 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
| Track kilometers noise remediated in total (km) | 1,785 | 1,703 | 1,605 | |
Accumulated length of noise remediated sections of track in accordance with Annex 1 of the German Federal Government’s 2013 overall noise remediation program, including partial completion of junction projects and sections that have partially undergone noise prevention.
We have revised the key figure for noise remediation in the year under review. For better comparability with previous years, we also present the key figure as per the old definition.
Implementation of passive noise prevention measures
Noise prevention (new construction and | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
Homes with passive measures | 1,571 | 1,410 | 1,491 | |
Previous year’s figures adjusted.
When constructing new lines and expanding lines, we are legally obligated to implement noise protection measures for residents who live in the immediate vicinity of rail tracks and for whom the noise exceeds the 49 dBA limit. These measures include sound-insulating windows no. 101 and ventilators as well as noise reduction wall and roof insulation. In the year under review, we pressed ahead with implementing these measures as part of our new construction and expansion projects, including in Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. The “Homes with passive measures” key indicator represents the number of households affected that have submitted feedback on the noise protection measures in place with implementation of these measures being initiated at least once for each section of track affected.