NR takes pride in track teams as effects of Storm
As the UK froze under Storm Darcy’s icy grip, railway staff across northern England were busy clearing debris, icicles and snow from the infrastructure to ensure trains kept running.
Huge icicles formed inside tunnels, while high winds created snowdrifts in many parts of the country, forcing Network Rail to use locomotives to patrol several routes to ensure they were clear.
The three-mile-long Standedge Tunnel, on the Leeds-HuddersfieldManchester route, filled with icicles that had to be removed by NR staff. Elsewhere, hot air blowers, steam jets, anti-freeze equipment, brushes, scrapers and snowploughs were employed to keep lines clear.
Several days of sub-zero temperatures caused icicles up to 1.5 metres long to form in tunnels across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria. Many were removed by hand, otherwise they could damage trains should they be hit.
“Winter is always challenging and I’m proud of our teams who work tirelessly in all weathers to monitor the railway, maintain the tracks and make sure trains can run safely,” said Chris Gee, Operations Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route.
“They’re out day and night in freezing conditions, but the cold never bothers them. All year round, we plan ahead for snow and ice, as well as strong wind, heavy rain and extreme heat in summer, so services can continue.”