Low Carbon Acoustic Barriers - Demonstrating Innovation in Railway Construction

The project relates to the preparation of a feasibility report outlining plans to demonstrate innovation in acoustic barrier design for railway construction by working with teams building the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) facility.

The project will demonstrate the use of low carbon footprint fibre reinforced composite acoustic barriers produced using recycled plastics, fibre reinforcements and absorptive materials. It will also demonstrate innovative approaches to mitigate environmental impacts associated with railway infrastructure development.

The feasibility report will detail how the working relationship that will be developed with the GCRE lead construction teams will enable sharing of information and results. It will show how this will lead to practical improvements in railway construction and infrastructure management, and demonstrations of innovation and best practice to a global audience.

The plans presented in the feasibility report will demonstrate how, through rigorous design, evaluation and demonstration, and by working in partnership with the GCRE, innovations in acoustic barrier design will be delivered. These innovations will lead to a reduction in whole-life costs, lower carbon footprint, provide enhanced environmental benefits, increase resilience and ensure efficient use of resources in railway construction.