Slippery Rail Conditions May Cause Train Delays
September 29, 2011
Autumn’s falling leaves and wet weather have the potential to cause “slippery rail delays,” an age-old problem that affects all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent.
Slippery rail condition occurs when falling leaves are crushed by train wheels. The decaying leaf material creates a slippery, oily residue that coats the rails, resulting in poor traction for trains.
Slippery rails can make it difficult or impossible for the steel wheels of a train to maintain traction and operate normally. This condition is similar to the wheels of an automobile on a sheet of ice; the tires may turn but, without traction, the car won’t go very fast. Unfortunately, a train that encounters traction problems is delayed and can cause delays for the trains behind it, as well.
Doing Our Part
NJ TRANSIT aggressively fights slippery rail conditions with several countermeasures, including:
Slippery rail condition occurs when falling leaves are crushed by train wheels. The decaying leaf material creates a slippery, oily residue that coats the rails, resulting in poor traction for trains.
Slippery rails can make it difficult or impossible for the steel wheels of a train to maintain traction and operate normally. This condition is similar to the wheels of an automobile on a sheet of ice; the tires may turn but, without traction, the car won’t go very fast. Unfortunately, a train that encounters traction problems is delayed and can cause delays for the trains behind it, as well.
Doing Our Part
NJ TRANSIT aggressively fights slippery rail conditions with several countermeasures, including:
- Deploying AquaTrack, our high-pressure rail power-washing system that runs along the tracks
- Tree trimming and leaf removal near rail lines
- Strategically spreading sand on the rails in advance of peak periods
Despite our best efforts, the combination of wet conditions following the leaf-fall period may result in traction problems and delayed trains. As a result, customers may wish to allow extra travel time when traveling during the fall season.
We appreciate your understanding. (via)
We appreciate your understanding. (via)
sounds like they need to strategically spread sand on their vaginas in advance of peak periods, amiright?!!?!?!?!11
4 comments:
i have an idea.
you could put a broom on the front of every train so that the leaf slick gets washed off everytime a train goes by.
problem solved.
i see what you did there kylie. train-sit. good one.
anonydouche is me, the comment thing wasn't working
that was a mistake, anonydouche. but i'm glad you liked it.
nerd.
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