I am interested in finding out how tracks are closed for maintenance works. Are tracks closed for a fixed period, hours, days or weeks or are tracks closed for weekend perionds? I am interested in knowing what process is used on other rail networks? where passenger lines are involved does the do buses replace trains? Any advice would be appreciated
It depends on what kind if maintenance is being done. If theres a train setting out welded rail (usually where ditches meet ballast) or railroad ties, etc., the dispatcher will usually grant a window of work, which could be 4, 6, 8, or even 12 hrs long. Also issued will be notices of maintenance work in bulletins, alerting trainmen to where rail, ties, loose footing, etc. will be. Issued to the conductor, engineer, or whoever will be warrants/possibly more bulletins which will grant them permission to work in a given area. Restricted speed zones are also issued between mp so-and-so for regular traffic between the given hours work is being preformed. I believe there are also rules in GCOR and NORAC which protect the gandy dancers...I'll have to check. Needless to say, most conductors/engineers with seniority tend to be gratious enough to let the young bloods "cut their teeth" (even though its slow and usually tediously boring) on these trains, and dont bother asking about those speno rail grinder trains! I think thats about all I can tell you off the top of my brain, good luck finding what you need! Dave
Thanks Dave, What I'm looking for is possession systems railroads have in place for major work, work that would require 48 hour closedowns. This would include work for turnout replacements or major signalling projects or bridge replacement? Thanks for the info
Colonel, The duration of work that will affect the movement of trains does not matter. The same procedures are in effect for any work. In general the dispatcher that controls movement on the track will issue a permit to the foreman in charge giving that person absolute authority to occupy the track. This is a written permit (track warrant/form D, etc). Before issuing the permit the dispatcher must record the out of service area on his paperwork and apply electronic blocking devices to any signals governing entrance to the track section. If possible advance notice of major work is given to all concerned by a bulletin order, published periodically (daily/weekly/monthly). The actual work is still conducted under the written permit. Permits once issued remain in effect until cancelled. This can be for several days although most railroads will cancel the old one and issue a new one at midnight. On track that does not have a signal system in use the work area is usually protected by derailing devices or switches lined away from the route being worked on and locked with a special lock. Procedures vary from company to company, but the basic requirements are dictated by federal law governing protection of roadway workers. I am qualified on NORAC, Metro North and Canadian operating rules and all have similar provisions. Single track lines with passenger service usually have bus substitution for trackwork. Hope this answers your question. Al [ 12 February 2002, 15:44: Message edited by: Big Al ]
