Winter 2012 - Translink

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News
Keeping on track
In 2011 Translink NIrailways partnered
with the Met office for the first time to
receive regular updates and forecasts on
leaf fall. This year, the service has been
fully embraced as part of NIrailways
preparations, allowing us to predict where
and when leaf fall on tracks will be greatest
and make preparations to avoid train
services being adversely impacted.
The leaf fall predictor tool was developed in the late
1990s by the Met Office in order to help transport
organisations manage their services between early
autumn and winter.
Leaf fall prediction reports, based on a red,
amber and green system, are issued to the
NIRailways Operations team by the Met Office,
allowing them to publish an adhesion forecast to
Train Drivers so they are forewarned of the level of
adhesion risk and likelihood of experiencing slippery
conditions. Drivers can then adjust their driving
technique to avoid wheel slippage and incident.
The predictor is based on average leaf fall for
a particular time of year and is calculated on a
daily basis, taking into account factors such as the
previous and current day’s weather. It also examines
previous weather patterns and calculates how this
may affect future fall.
The service also helps to predict when to treat
the rail head by water jetting and applying Sandite
rail adhesive for maximum effect.
Gary Cooley Rail Operations, reported, “We have
been treating our lines by water jetting and with
Sandite since leaf fall’ began and are pleased with
how the leaf fall predictor service from the Met
Office has helped us to effectively plan and manage
rail head maintenance and driving conditions and to
raise driver awareness.
When leaves fall on the rail line and are
compacted by train wheels, they actually form a
hard slippery surface which is similar to black ice on
roads and is difficult to remove. This could lead to
wheel slip, delays and even service cancellations.
We clean the rails with our specially converted train
fitted with high pressure water jets which remove
compressed leaves from the line. Following this,
another train sprays Sandite rail adhesive on the
rails at known problem areas around the network
to improve adhesion levels. In addition, Translink’s
train fleet is fitted with manual and automatic
sanders and wheel slide protection systems to help
combat the effects of poor rail head conditions. Our
infrastructure team also uses leaf blowers to clear
platforms and walkways.”
News in brief
Belfast City Marathon 2013
Why not set yourself a New Year’s
challenge and participate in the Deep
riverrock Belfast City Marathon on Bank
Holiday Monday, 6 May 2013?
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the
largest sporting participatory event in Northern
Ireland. Translink are delighted to once again
sponsor this event which brings participants from
all areas of the globe to the streets of the Belfast.
There are five different events to suit all ages
and abilities; Marathon Run, Wheelchair Marathon,
Team Relay, 9 Mile Walk and the Fun Run. Close to
20,000 runners are expected to participate and
you could be one of them!
Alternatively you could help as a volunteer
at a water station, route marshal or start/finish
marshal on race day and help every participant
reach their goal by crossing the finish line safely.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is the official
nominated charity for the 2013 event and
participants are encouraged to raise funds for this
important cause.
The final cut-off point for entries is 19 April
2013 – no entries will be accepted after this date.
If you are interested in participating in any
of the events or helping out as a volunteer
click: www.belfastcitymarathon.com or call the
marathon hotline 90 60 59 33.
Ballymoney railway bridge officially opens
Ballymoney Train Station’s new walking and
cycling railway bridge was officially opened
in November, marking the completion of a
£1.3m investment project.
The result of a successful partnership between the
Department for Regional Development, Translink,
Ballymoney Borough Council and national
charity Sustrans; the project will benefit rail users,
Visit from EU Transport Chair
Brian Simpson MEP, Chair of the European
Parliament’s Transport Committee,
recently visited Northern Ireland to
learn more about our transport need and
networks.
pedestrians and cyclists in Ballymoney with a new,
fully accessible, traffic-free bridge and extended
park and ride facilities at the station.
PICTUrED: (l-r) Peter Emerson, Dalriada School,
Brooke Elston, Leaney PS, Grace Murray, Ballymoney
Independent ChristIan School, Transport Minister Danny
Kennedy MLA, and Caoimhe Flemming, St Brigid’s PS.
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee
is currently considering a new Trans-European
Transport Network Regulation (TEN-T), and its
funding instrument, the Connecting Europe Facility
(CEF) Regulation. These regulations will determine
how people and goods move throughout the EU.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “It is
important that we continue to work to ensure our
transport infrastructure meets our future needs
and supports economic growth by facilitating
investment from other member states and beyond.
PICTUrED: (l-r) On a tour of the new Train Maintenance
Facility at Adelaide are Transport Minister Danny Kennedy
MLA, Chairman John Trethowan, Group Chief Executive,
Catherine Mason, and chair of the European Parliament
Transport Committee Brian Simpson MEP.
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