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Evening Standard

10 months ago

Network Rail snow and ice explainer

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00:00It's just a bit of snow and ice isn't it? In fact it takes a dedicated team and a special fleet

00:07to keep you moving throughout winter. We don't typically get lots of extremely cold weather in

00:12most parts of Britain but when we do it can pose serious challenges to transport infrastructure

00:18like roads and the railway. Snow and ice can build up to block points,

00:25the movable sections of track that enable trains to change lines.

00:30This can prevent trains from accessing certain routes or platforms causing delays.

00:36Ice can even coat the electrified third rail and overhead power cables.

00:42This stops trains from drawing the power they need to run leaving them stranded.

00:48Icicles on tunnels and bridges can sometimes cause serious damage to passing trains.

00:55Meanwhile a sharp drop in temperature after a very wet autumn

00:59can cause rain to freeze in between the stones that support the track.

01:04When it thaws the track can move.

01:08Snowdrifts can form when an excessive amount of snow has fallen.

01:13If a train runs into a large compacted snowdrift it could even derail.

01:17We have a specially equipped winter fleet that includes snow plows, hot air blowers,

01:22steam jets, brushes, scrapers and antifreeze to clear snow and ice.

01:29We also use tech like visual and thermal imaging from our helicopters and drones.

01:35These help us identify issues before they become a problem.

01:40We fit electric heaters and NASA-grade insulation to the points operating equipment

01:45to prevent the build-up of snow and ice in critical locations.

01:50Other practical measures include fitting fences to routes most at risk of snowdrifts.

01:56Train companies also run empty trains at night to help keep tracks clear.

02:03We've even added protective cupboards to 4,000 points and 2,500 point motors to keep snow out

02:11and prevent damage from ice that can fall from passing trains.

02:19And we're always researching and trialing new methods to help keep your services and freight

02:24moving. In previous winters snow has also caused lots of disruption to railways elsewhere in Europe.

02:34In fact they often experience the same problems as we do in Britain

02:38and need to slow trains down to keep people safe.

02:42Our seasons tend to be less severe than in other countries so we can't pre-stress our

02:47rails for extreme heat or cold. The same rails that must endure a heat wave in the summer

02:53have to withstand extreme cold months later. We're doing all we can to reduce delays and keep

03:00you moving safely. Please check to see if your train is running on time and thank you for bearing

03:06with us.

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