Railway noise disturbances reported in Germany and Austria

Residents in Celle, Germany, and Bruck an der Leitha, Austria, are reporting significant nighttime noise disturbances caused by railway operations.

In Celle, officials have identified the cause of increased noise as elastic plastic or rubber profiles, known as intermediate layers, used in track beds. DB InfraGO AG reported that these layers can vibrate in track curves when trains pass over them, increasing noise in built-up areas. The company has begun pilot measures to replace these components.

In Bruck an der Leitha, residents have complained of loud, continuous signal horns sounding during the night and early morning. ÖBB attributed the issue to technical malfunctions in certain ‘Talent’ series train sets, which cause unintended signal horn activations. While the company is working on a permanent solution, residents have criticized a lack of effective communication regarding the ongoing disturbances.