Network Rail Promises To Do Better on Chiswick Station Noise
Decibel level at footbridge works measured at well above permitted levels
The footbridge at Chiswick Station is closed until 15 September
August 8, 2025
Network Rail has given assurances that it is taking steps to reduce noise from ongoing work at Chiswick station following a number of complaints particularly about night time disturbance.
Since the project to restore the footbridge began in the early hours of last Sunday (3 August) residents have been hearing noise from the site including shouting and the use of power tools. The work commenced when the final train passed after 1am and continued into the following day.
One person living near the station took noise measurements on Sunday morning which registered a maximum reading of 93dB with an average of 70dB during the time measured. He says that there is little difference between the day time noise levels and those at night and approached workers at 2am in the morning to ask for noise levels to be reduced. He was told that residents had been sent a letter to warn them of possible disruption.
Formal complaints about the noise have been made both to Network Rail and Hounslow Council.
Night time work noise levels are meant to remain below 50dB but works on the railway are classed as ‘statutory undertaker’ activities. While Network Rail is supposed to adhere to noise thresholds it is only obliged to take “all reasonably practicable measures” to minimise noise.
Normally when carrying out such work it applies for a prior consent agreement with the local authority. This sets agreed noise thresholds, working methods, and mitigation steps. Once agreed, the works are legally protected from noise nuisance claims — as long as the consent conditions are followed. We have asked Hounslow Council for comment on this matter.
The work on the bridge is expected to continue for six weeks but it is hoped that the worst of the disruption will soon be over.
Network Rail says the worst of the noise from the site ends this week
A Network Rail spokesperson said, “We’re very sorry to residents living near Chiswick station for the disruption experienced over the past few evenings. As part of our essential safety critical refurbishment works on Chiswick station footbridge, we are undertaking mechanical descaling, which involves removing old paint from the structure.
“Noise levels are being monitored and we have begun installing acoustic barriers to help reduce the impact. This won’t eliminate the noise entirely, but it will mitigate it.
“The mechanical descaling phase of work is expected to finish by the end of Friday evening at 10pm. This will be followed with preparing the structure for painting which will be less disruptive, and every effort will be made to complete this work during daytime.
“To complete the works, there are further day and night-time works planned during the railway line closure from 23–31 August during which steel work repairs will take place.
“We are committed to minimising disruption wherever possible and a further update will be provided to lineside neighbours prior to 23 August.”
The footbridge will remain closed until 15 September.
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