Universal Studios Hollywood plans to add sound barriers near the newly launched “Fast & Furious” roller coaster following complaints from nearby residents about the high levels of screams emanating from the ride.
According to reports from the city’s news agency, Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian revealed the news on Instagram this week. He stated that the theme park is addressing concerns raised by residents living near Toluca Lake. These residents have complained that the passengers riding the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster are causing a disturbance with their loud screams, impacting their daily lives.
Nazarian wrote, “…While recent noise tests met the park’s requirements, they will be adding two sound barriers to help decrease the noise. The project is expected to be completed early next month.”
He mentioned that Universal Studios officials will eventually hold a community meeting to hear residents’ feedback. Nazarian urged residents with lingering concerns to contact the park’s community hotline at 818-622-2995 or email at community.hotline@nbcuni.com.
The highly anticipated roller coaster is currently in the testing phase, initially operating without passengers without receiving any complaints. However, once Universal Studios began allowing actual passengers on board, noise became a concern. Toluca Lake residents report that passengers seeking thrills from the attraction continue to emit screams.
On a community website, park officials stated that the ride “was carefully constructed with noise reduction technology in mind and consideration for other measures to minimize sound impact on the community.” Noise reduction measures include utilizing a “low-rumble track” filled with pea gravel, aimed at significantly reducing noise generated as vehicles traverse the track; in addition, a series of sound walls over 900 feet in total length have been installed near the track. Also, the circular section of the track features two “half-pipe shields.”
This attraction is inspired by the popular “Fast & Furious” film series, with the roller coaster designed to mimic the vehicles in the movies, enabling 360-degree rotations to simulate the feeling of cars “drifting” during a race.