The first plans are almost 20 years old. At last the level-crossing barrier has been erected in the town centre of Wiehl. But it is not ready to operate yet. Regardless of the fact that trains only run here occasionally on this branch line, a barrier system like that for high speed lines is prescribed by the regulations.
Walter Zienow, vice-chairman of the 'Society For The Preservation Of The Wiehl Valley Railway' and operating manager of the 'Rhine-Sieg-Railway (RSE)' assumes that the system will be finished before the end of this year and can be put into operation after the certification by the Office of the Federal Railway (EBA). A specialist company has already done the wiring that is required for the barriers and the traffic signals. Just the points in both directions still have to be converted. Also the pedestrian crossing at the Homburger road should get a half-barrier again.
The realisation of the this project has taken so long, because the railway administration came up with ever new requirements, Zienow explained.
In the meantime the town of Wiehl continues to work on their plans for a more intense utilisation of the Wiehl valley line for tourism. Head of the building department, Maik Adomeit, says: "We trust therefore in the opportunities that can result from the 'Regionale 2025' funding programme."
Source: 'Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger' of October 26th, 2017