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Based on the Noise Abatement Act (Wgh), a noise zone has been established along a (future) railway line as a planning focus area to protect noise-sensitive destinations in that zone. The width of the zone along a railway line depends on the number of tracks and the traffic intensity. The zone width varies between 100 and 1,300 meters. For main railways, the zone width of a railway line is based on the established noise production ceiling. This is included in the Railway Noise Register. For other railways, the zone width is specified in the Railway Noise Zone Map Regulation for each railway line.
For noise-sensitive objects in the zone, the preferred limit value applies as the basic protection level. By means of a higher value procedure, the competent authority may allow a higher noise exposure, up to the maximum permissible (limit) value.
When constructing railways, the preferred limit value of the Wgh applies as the basic protection level for noise-sensitive objects in the zone. By means of a higher value procedure, the competent authority may allow a higher noise exposure, up to the maximum permissible (limit) value.
Conversely, regulations apply to the development of new noise-sensitive destinations near railways. These are governed by the Spatial Planning Act (Wro). The preconditions for building within the railway zone vary from municipality to municipality, depending on the noise policy of the municipality in question.
Noise pollution from railways must be calculated in accordance with the 2012 Noise Pollution Calculation and Measurement Regulations, Appendix IV. The noise pollution near railways depends on source parameters (intensities, types of trains, speed, number of ‘carriages’) and transmission terms (distance, noise-reducing structures, nature of the area between the railway and receivers, etc.).
For main railways, the principles for the calculations are set out in the Railway Noise Register. For other railways, the data for the reference year in a ten-year period is requested from the railway operator.
Peutz calculates such noise pollution as part of planning changes, infrastructure adjustments, and for the purpose of dimensioning facade noise insulation for new construction projects, for example.
In specific cases, the noise pollution of railways is measured. Peutz has the capacity for long-term noise monitoring near railways.
