Noise and Shaken Nights: Living Near Busy Railway Tracks

Living close to railway tracks can be a mixed experience, filled with the sounds of early mornings and the occasional earthquake-like rumble at night. In this article, we explore various personal stories and experiences shared by individuals who have lived in close proximity to railway lines, ranging from vibrant train passes to the persistent nightly noise.

Trains Passing Through the Night

In France, there is a charming place at the border of Nice to Italy rail line. On one memorable Thursday night, a long train loaded with Renault vehicles thundered past, shaking the entire house. Despite the initial discomfort, the homeowner surprisingly started to sleep through it after two weeks. However, the train's presence still startled overnight guests.

In the 1970s, another resident lived in a block of flats near the main Stockholm to Gothenburg line. Every Thursday night, around midnight, a long Volvo train could be heard and felt. Its length and the marshy land contributed to the swaying of the building, providing a curious party trick to watch the water slop over a glass to a brim. Additionally, there was a timber train that took a considerable time to pass, typically around 2:00 AM.

Childhood Experiences

During childhood, the author had the unique experience of living next to a railway line now sadly closed and removed. Back then, the house was a typical 1960s semi-detached residence, and the back garden wasn’t large. The bedroom had single-glazed windows, which allowed the trains to be seen even during the day. The trains, either diesel or steam, were mostly passenger trains with just four carriages each. While often sleeping through them, the sounds sometimes influenced the dreams.

Level Crossings and Nightly Shakes

The living experience near railway tracks was enriched not only by the sounds but also by the occurrences at level crossings. There was one notable crossing that often caused long traffic queues. These crossings were crucial for transportation but also added to the nightlife experience with unexpected delays and commotion.

Living near railway tracks can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the noise and frequency of the trains. Whether it is the thrilling train passes, the swaying of the buildings, or the dreams disturbed by the sounds, these experiences shape the memories of those who have lived near the tracks.