NIR focuses on tackling adverse weather conditions-Press Releases-News-Translink
NIR focuses on tackling adverse weather conditions
1st October 2007:
Sticking at it: NIR Assistant District Engineer Allan Stewart (with clipboard) and Storeroom Manager Maurice Price take delivery of a fresh batch of sandite rail adhesive. Sandite gel was among a number of proactive measures which resulted in significant improvements in performance during the key leaf-fall period last year. In comparison to 2005 figures, punctuality performance rose on average by 20% while reliability performance also improved during this period.
NI Railways has said that it’s ready and prepared to take on autumn weather conditions that cost Great Britain’s rail industry up to £60 million last year.
NIR has brought together specially converted decontamination trains, state-of-the-art driver simulators and training techniques, modern wheel-slip protection systems and Met Office weather forecasting as part of their efforts to battle the elements in the weeks ahead.
And following on from its successful introduction last year – which saw punctuality improve by 20% on the same period in 2005 – NIR has this week taken on a fresh batch of sandite rail adhesive in an attempt to counter the age-old menace of leaves on the line.
NIR General Manager of Rail Services, Mal McGreevy, said that adverse weather does not necessarily translate into an adverse service performance – NIR’s focus is on ensuring reliability for the customer in the weeks ahead.
“Following rigorous planning we have taken extensive steps to minimise the effects of leaf fall, freezing temperatures, snow and frost. We will of course keep passengers informed and fully up to date on service provision,” Mr McGreevy said.
Every autumn a combination of atmospheric and damp conditions leads to low adhesion between wheel and the railhead – so leaves on the line has a similar effect as black ice on the roads.
That’s why sandite applicators have been fixed to special trains to disperse the gel directly onto the railhead as the train passes. Most passenger trains are now fitted with direct sand applicators that can be deployed at known hotspots.
NIR has also confirmed that a specially converted train carrying high-pressure water jets will be deployed to wash down and remove compressed debris from the railhead.
Autumn weather conditions can cause havoc with rail services. According to Network Rail, autumn weather costs the GB rail industry around £60 million per year, including: £10 million for vegetation management; £34 million for autumn train-borne operations; £5 million for ‘hot spot’ teams and other staff/operational costs; and £10 million for damages to trains and tracks.
Weather and seasonal factors account for 10% of all delay minutes across the network in Great Britain in any one-year.
Ends
For further information please contact Geoff McGimpsey at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837
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