The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Brown Line train is part of the Chicago ‘‘El’’ system and passes mostly through residential neighborhoods. Currently at maximum capacity, the Brown Line will be undergoing expansion, increasing the train length from six to eight cars. By taking sound-level measurements during morning peak hours and evening off-peak hours, this study analyzes the contribution of the Brown Line trains to the existing neighborhood noise floor. Data analysis reveals a significant disparity between the L90 and higher Leq readings. As the sole contributor to the L10 levels, this study finds that the Brown Line trains are highly influential to the elevated Leq. It is interesting to note that, while exempt from the city’s evening noise ordinance, the Leq is in excess of the prescribed level of 55 dB.
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