25-09-2023
REDUCTION OF RAILWAY NOISE POLLUTION
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Rail traffic noise affects over 12 million EU residents during the day and 9 million at night. Rolling noise results from the interaction between wheels and tracks and can be significantly reduced through the introduction of modern rolling stock or the upgrading of older equipment. The use of noisy braking systems is already banned on many railway lines in EU Member States and will be increasingly restricted in the coming years, with the aim of minimizing noise pollution as much as possible.
In order to provide its customers and the wider community with an efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transport system, Ambrogio Intermodal has chosen to join the “ENTREPId” consortium – the European Train Noise Reduction Partnership – established in 2019 by six railway vehicle owners based in France, Belgium, Italy, and Slovakia. The project was selected by INEA (Innovation and Networks Executive Agency) under the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) program for EU funding.
The ENTREPId project aims to reduce noise generated during freight rail transport by modifying the braking systems of existing wagon fleets through the adoption of brake blocks made from composite materials, replacing traditional cast iron blocks. This technological upgrade makes rail transport quieter, more efficient, and improves the quality of life for people living near railway lines. The overall project involves modifying the brakes of around 8,700 type S wagons owned by the six ENTREPId consortium partners.
Ambrogio Intermodal is already fully committed to achieving this ambitious goal and has, to date, completely replaced all cast iron brake blocks on its freight wagons with modern “LL”-type composite brake blocks, compliant with international standards set by the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC). This material results in smoother rolling surfaces, thereby reducing rolling noise.
As a result, every day Ambrogio Intermodal provides its customers with a fully renewed fleet, equipped with a quiet braking system, aligned with technological progress and fully respectful of the environment.