Leaves and cold like black ice for trains

Gary Cooley from Rail Operations at Translink explained: “When leaves fall on the rail line and are compacted by train wheels, they actually form a hard slippery surface which is similar to black ice on roads and is difficult to remove. This could lead to wheel slip, delays and even service cancellations.

“We clean the rails with our specially converted train fitted with high pressure water jets which remove compressed leaves from the line.

“Following this, another train sprays ‘Sandite’ rail adhesive on the rails at known problem areas around the network to improve adhesion levels.

“In addition, Translink’s train fleet is fitted with manual and automatic sanders and wheel slide protection systems to help combat the effects of poor rail head conditions. Our infrastructure team also uses leaf blowers to clear platforms and walkways.”

He continued: “We have already been treating our lines for the past month since leaf fall began and we are also trialing a service from the Met Office this Autumn to enable us to more accurately predict poor driving conditions so we can provide more advance warning to staff.”

In responding to last year’s sub zero weather conditions, Translink has taken a number of steps to combat the predicted severe ice and snow conditions in the coming months.

“Since last year’s cold snap, we have expanded our training programme for employees to increase our manual resources for dealing with the impacts on the rail network and our passenger facilities.

“We are also taking steps to improve the operational performance of our track points, crossing barriers and trains in the cold weather and will be working closely with the Met office to receive regular updates and forecasts on sub zero conditions and snowfall.”