Noise dampening devices are to be trialled on Johnsonville trains in a bid to eliminate the ‘‘wheel squeal’’ that has been plaguing residents of Wellington’s northern suburbs.

The devices, which reduce noise radiation, will be installed on two Matangi trains next month. The move comes as Greater Wellington Regional Council and KiwiRail staff prepare to front a public meeting on the issue at the Ngaio Town Hall on Wednesday night.

Some people living near the Johnsonville line tracks have been complaining about a high-pitched squealing noise ever since the Matangi trains became a regular fixture on the line a year ago.

The noise is created when the wheels of the trains manoeuvre through tight corners.

The council has been trying to solve the problem by applying friction modifier solution to the tracks for the last few months.

Greater Wellington chairwoman Fran Wilde said that initiative had met with varying success. “Some trains are less noisy but others aren’t. Staff are currently investigating ways to increase coverage of the friction modifier to reduce the noise all along the line,” she said.

“Hopefully the greater spread of friction modifier on the track and the effect of the wheel dampers should significantly reduce noise levels.’’

The old English Electric trains that used to run on the line generated more noise but not the same high-pitched tone, Ms Wilde said.

Because wheel squeal was not an uncommon problem on rail lines around the world, the council had been able to engage a number of experts on the issue, she said.

‘‘They investigated the exact cause of the problem and developed a range of possible solutions for us. We’re now trialing the two top solutions.”

“I appreciate the distress the wheel squeal noise is causing to some residents who have to put up with the noise day in and day out, but I can assure them that this is the number one priority for our rail operations staff and they are determined to find a lasting and effective resolution to this issue.”