Train signals at night

Sleepless nights due to “horn terror” at Lake Wörthersee

A new freight route for the central region has long been called for - without success.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Night-time train signals are depriving residents in Pörtschach of sleep. As a result, the calls for a noise solution in the Carinthian central region are getting louder again!

Last summer, ÖBB trains were already causing some vacationers to leave the Wörthersee community early with their nightly "honking concert" (we reported). While holidaymakers can "flee" from the nocturnal signals, local residents are condemned to endure the "horn terror".

"We've been deprived of our sleep twice in the past few weeks," complains a Krone reader who lives near the railway line. "Every train that passed through the village sounded three horns. You stand upright in bed every time," complains the Pörtschach resident. After all, the horn of a train sounds at up to 125 decibels - the equivalent of a jackhammer.

The noise shocks literally torment the residents at night. This must finally come to an end.

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Disruption as the trigger for "honking concert"
ÖBB claims that the night-time train signals are due to a malfunction. However, the problem has since been resolved. "We can only apologize to the residents. But the train drivers have to give a signal in a situation like this," says ÖBB press officer Rosanna Zernatto-Peschel.

And after the night-time "honking terror", there are now once again calls for a new railroad line for the central area. Because with the opening of the Koralm Railway, even more trains will be speeding through the Wörthersee tourist region. This is why the Carinthian state government is also calling on Infrastructure Minister Leonore Gewessler to include the project in the "Target Network 2040" and in ÖBB's next framework investment plan.