Universal Studios to add sound barriers for new Fast & Furious coaster

Universal Studios Hollywood has agreed to install two additional sound barriers to mitigate noise from its new roller coaster, ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’. The decision follows complaints from residents in the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood, who described the sound of rider screams as “disturbing” and “untenable.”

Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian announced that while recent acoustic testing indicated the attraction meets existing noise ordinance requirements, the park is implementing these extra measures in response to community feedback. The construction of the new barriers is expected to be completed by early September.

The attraction is currently in a technical rehearsal and soft opening phase. Previous noise-reduction efforts included a low-rumble track filled with pea gravel and specialized sound shields. Universal has also planned a community meeting with the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association to further address resident concerns.