Universal Studios Adds Sound Barriers for Fast Furious Coaster Noise

Universal Studios Hollywood is installing two additional sound barriers around its new Fast Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster to address noise complaints from residents in the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood. The announcement was made on August 11 by Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who stated that construction of the new barriers is expected to be completed by early September.

The high-speed outdoor coaster, which can reach speeds of 72 mph, has been operating in a technical rehearsal phase, meaning it is still in testing and not guaranteed to be open on any given day. Residents reported that while the ride itself was relatively quiet, the screams from riders became a significant disturbance once testing with guests began. One resident described the noise as loud and piercing, even through double-paned windows.

The new barriers are not Universal's first attempt to mitigate noise from the attraction. Before the ride began carrying guests, the park incorporated several noise-reduction measures, including sound-shield panels around portions of the track and pea gravel inside sections to reduce mechanical noise. Universal has also established monitoring locations...