Project Overview:

SS Wilson Associates was retained to complete a Noise and Vibration Impact Study in support of the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE), a major transit infrastructure project connecting Kennedy Station to Scarborough Town Centre.

The study assessed potential noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposed subway alignment, including interactions with surrounding residential and institutional land uses, as part of the Transit Project Assessment Process.

Challenges

The project required evaluation of a wide range of noise and vibration sources associated with underground transit infrastructure, including subway operations, ventilation systems, substations, and bus terminal activity.

A key consideration was ensuring compatibility with surrounding sensitive land uses, including residential areas and institutional uses, while addressing both operational and construction-related impacts along the full alignment.

Approach

A comprehensive assessment was undertaken using a combination of field measurements, predictive modelling, and established transit noise and vibration criteria.

The study evaluated ground-borne vibration and associated indoor noise, as well as airborne noise from stationary sources such as ventilation shafts, emergency exits, and electrical substations. Construction-related impacts were also reviewed at a planning level.

Mitigation strategies were developed to address identified considerations and to inform the detailed design phase.

Outcome

The assessment demonstrated that, with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the project can proceed without adverse noise or vibration impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses.

Key mitigation measures included the incorporation of a floating slab track system to reduce ground-borne vibration, as well as design considerations for stationary noise sources such as substations and ventilation infrastructure.

With these measures, the study confirmed that the project can achieve compliance with applicable noise and vibration criteria, supporting the integration of major transit infrastructure within an urban environment while maintaining compatibility with adjacent uses.