NETWORK Rail has said it is preparing for one of its most “intensive seasonal operations” as it plans to carry out more than £6 million worth of safety precautions ahead of Autumn.
The railway operator announced on Tuesday that over the next ten weeks, a £6.4m programme of autumn treatment will be rolled out across Scotland’s railway to help minimise disruption to services.
Leaves on the railway are the equivalent of black ice on roads, a spokesperson for Network Rail explained.
They added that although leaves may seem harmless, when they land on damp rails and are compressed by train wheels, the heat and weight bake them into a thin, slippery layer that can affect braking and acceleration.
Specialist leaf-busting trains (RHTTs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) will be used to tackle any build-up across the country’s railways, along with the help of high-pressure water jets that will clean the rails, and sand used to improve traction. Around 155 tonnes (12,000 bags) of sand are expected to be used throughout the season.
In total, nearly 400 circuits of treatment will be carried out covering 82,000 miles, with railway staff working more than 25,000 hours to keep the network safe and reliable, the trainline operator said.
Key routes in central Scotland, Fife and the Highland Main Line, will have more “frequent bursts of activity” to keep trains running smoothly.
Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said the operation is a “huge” logistical effort involving specialist staff, trains, and technology.
He said: “People might not realise just how challenging Autumn can be for the railway, but it’s a season that demands serious levels of preparation and action.
“Our teams across Scotland have been planning this operation for months. It’s a huge logistical effort involving specialist staff, trains, and technology, all working together to keep passengers moving safely.
“We know how vital reliability is throughout the year, and even more so as we head into the darker, colder months. That’s why this work is so important. It aims to strengthen the resilience of the network, reduce delays, and help trains operate safely and efficiently, whatever the season.”
Network Rail said it uses specialist weather forecasters to monitor conditions closely throughout the season, which helps to pinpoint where treatment is needed most and ensure resources are deployed “efficiently and effectively”.
The rail firm also said it is working closely with ScotRail to ensure that autumn preparations are aligned across the network, with only minor timetable changes to ensure as few customers are affected.
Network Rail added that there will be minor alterations to a “very small” number of services and that the majority of routes will continue on the same schedule.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We understand how frustrating it can be when trains are delayed due to leaves on the line. It might sound minor, but the impact can ripple across the entire network. That’s why, this autumn, we’re making a few small adjustments to our timetable to help keep services running smoothly, whatever the weather.
“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working tirelessly to get trains and stations ready for the seasonal change. And throughout autumn, we’ll make sure customers have the latest, most accurate travel information to help you plan with confidence.”
During the summer, targeted vegetation management projects have also been carried out across Scotland to reduce the risk of obstructions and improve visibility.
