New approach for Scotland’s track maintenance

Network Rail Scotland is currently trailing a new approach to track maintenance, which will speed up fixing faults and remove speed restrictions quicker than before.

Tampers are now being rolled out at night to avoid delays with busy daytime trains, and now focus on tamping specific faults in the trackbed, instead of one 200m stretch of track.

This significantly reduces the time needed to complete the essential job.

The trial is taking place between Dalmally and Taynuilt and it’s the first time this new method has been used in Scotland.

What did the officials say?

Lindsay Saddler, Head of Maintenance delivery for Network Rail Scotland, said:

“On Scotland’s railway, particularly the more rural lines, the track is prone to wear and tear and the impacts of winter and wet weather all year round mean that faults develop. When this happens, it leads to more uncomfortable journeys for passengers but also more late trains because they have to run at reduced speeds.

“Early signs are that the trial of Sprinter tamping has been very positive enabling us to target an average of 15 sites and remove 20 faults per night which means we can restore line speeds faster.  Removing speed restrictions makes a huge difference to journey times which makes a huge difference to our passengers.”

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