Network Rail is warning rail passengers about the part closure of the Cross City line next month for testing to improve the reliability of trains in the autumn.
The line between Barnt Green and Redditch will close on every Sunday in October (6, 13, 20 & 27) so special test trains can trial new ways of braking designed to reduce delays for passengers caused by ‘leaves on the line'.
Leaves on the tracks cause a ‘Teflon-like' substance which causes train wheels to slip and skid. This means trains often travel more slowly in certain areas to stop this happening, causing disruption to the timetable.
To balance this, a temporary timetable can be introduced which retimes trains to account for the extra minutes needed to run safely.
The braking experiments will see targeted jets of sand sprayed directly in front of individual train wheels.
If the new braking method is successful, the hope is trains could drive at normal speeds regardless of whether there are leaves on the line.
What did the officials say?
Martin Colmey, head of operations delivery for Network Rail's Central route, said:
“Leaves on the line is a big problem for the railway. It disrupts services and inconveniences passengers and every year, Network Rail and train operators work together to battle against the elements to keep people moving safely and on time.
“We are always looking at innovative ways to improve the railway for our passengers, so we're excited to be working with West Midlands Trains and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) on a project which could see delays by dreaded ‘leaves on the line' become a thing of the past.”
Luisa Moisio, research and development programme director from the RSSB, said:
“Poor rail adhesion affects millions of passengers each year, preventing the reliable service they rightly expect. This new sanding technique halves train stopping distances during times of low adhesion and provides the biggest improvement in 20 years”.
“RSSB is very grateful to West Midlands Trains and Network Rail for their leading role in this testing which will unlock the ability to use it widely across the network, improving performance and reliability, particularly during autumn time”.
Neil Bamford, engineering director at West Midlands Railway, said:
“It might seem like an old problem but with millions of trees in Birmingham alone, leaves falling on the line cause very real issues on our network.
“We are fully committed to improving the experience for our passengers and once perfected this innovative system could boost reliability in the autumn months.
“We would urge passengers travelling on the dates of the Network Rail testing to check their journeys in advance and we thank them for their patience.”
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In what way is this pioneering? SouthEastern’s electric multiple units have had sanding gear for ages.
Remember as a lad, sneaking into the sand shed at Kirkby LMS, lovely & warm on a cold day to keep the sand dry. So not new & innovative, just a time proved common sense way to deal with metal on metal slip.
Steam Engines had sanding gear for 150 years but diesels don’t need it they said, HAH!!