Does this problem effect only Northern Ireland? l Why do leaves on the line cause delays? l Are leaves on the line a recent problem? l What lines are most effected? l What are NI Railways doing to minimise the effects of leaf fall? l On track measures l On train measures l Driver Training l Winter Planning Programme
During this period, leaves falling on the tracks, snow and frost make driving conditions difficult. As a result, some services may be delayed or cancelled.
NI Railways aim to minimise delays by carrying out a number of activities each year to combat the effects of leaf fall and bad weather. We will also inform passengers of any changes or delays to services
These proactive steps have made a considerable impact and we will continue to develop and build on this success.
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Does this problem only effect Northern Ireland?
Leaves on the line are a problem that affects all countries with deciduous trees, no universal solution has been found yet. Iain Coucher, Network Rail’s Deputy Chief Executive, said “autumn and falling leaves are a challenge for railways the world over. The leaves form mulch on the rails,which is as slippery as ice on roads.”
“autumn and falling leaves are a
challenge for railways the world over.”
Network Rail has reported that autumn costs the rail industry in Great Britain approximately £60 million per year, including £10 million for vegetation management, £34 million for autumn train-borne operations, £5million for ‘hot spot’ teams andother staff/operational costs, and £10 million for damages to trains and tracks.
Weather and leaf fall account for 10% of all delay minutes across the network in Great Britain in any one year.
Why do leaves on the line cause service delays?
When leaves fall on, or close to, the railway line, they are swept up by the turbulence caused by passing trains and compressed under the wheels of the carriages. The leaves are crushed so firmly that it would take a knife to scrape them off. This “black ice” of the rails means that trains lose grip resulting in drivers having to drive more carefully by reducing their speed and braking earlier.
Are leaves on the line a recent problem?
In the past, sparks from steam engines started fires in nearby trees and plants so vegetation was cut back to keep lines clear and reduce the risk of fire.
As steam trains were replaced, the fire risk was considered minimal and trees were not only allowed to come closer to the line but were managed less frequently and grew bigger. The real problems began (Worldwide) with the arrival of lighter diesel and electric trains. Our new C3K trains have disc brakes that push on the sides of the wheels which also make them more susceptible to problems with leaves and atmospheric conditions on the rail.
What lines are most affected?
Areas most affected on the NI Railways network are on the Bangor line at Cultra and Marino and on the Larne line from Jordanstown to Greenisland,where a large number of trees and bushes grow alongside the tracks.
What are NI Railways doing to minimise the effects of leaf fall?
In an effort to minimise the effects of autumn leaf fall, work is continuing to trim back trees in key areas. Debris is then sucked away by special cleaning machines so that it does not blow onto the track. This work commences at the end of the nesting season in line with our environmental responsibilities.
It is not possible to get rid of all leaves
as trees are not always on railway
property
Unfortunately it is not possible to get rid of all leaves as trees are not always on railway property. Furthermore, despite trimming back the trees, leaves will inevitably fall and we are therefore doing everything we can to prepare for this.
NI Railways are committed to reducing delays you experience when train timetables are affected in autumn by leaves. We have developed an action plan including using the latest technologies and giving special training for drivers.
On track measures
Weather and leaf fall account for 10%
of all delay minutes across the network
in Great Britain
Gel applicators have been installed at specific ‘hot spots’ where problems with leaf fall are most common. Sandite is sprayed onto the rail head, and as each train passes it then spreads the sandite further up the track. This means that every passing service will benefit from sandite therefore the effects of leaf fall are reduced and delays are less likely.
On train measures
NI Railways are committed to reducing
delays you experience when train timetables
are affected in autumn by leaves
In addition to the problems created by leaf fall, the winter weather can also make driving conditions difficult. Points/junctions become vulnerable to snow and frost and must be treated.
Our Winter Planning Programme includes daily met office forecasting, installation of point heaters at key locations, and an anti-freeze product. In addition, salting and brushing station platforms also takes place when snow or frost are forecast. We would ask for members of the public to take extra care when using the stations in these colder conditions.
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