De-icing trains deployed across UK to keep travellers moving

Arctic temperatures are set to sweep the UK this weekend

Special snowplough trains will be deployed to keep the trains moving (Network Rail)

Special snow-busting trains will be deployed across the UK in a bid to minimise disruption for travellers during the cold weather.

Arctic temperatures are set to sweep the country this weekend, which usually means widespread transport chaos.

Network Rail will operate a winter fleet, complete with trains fitted with snowploughs able to clear eight inches of snow, as well as hot air blowers, steam jets, brushes, scrapers and anti-freeze to clear snow and ice from the train tracks.

A number of other measures will be introduced during the winter. Network Rail said staff would patrol tracks to clear snow and ice from junctions, and train companies would run empty trains through the night to help keep tracks clear. Routes that are most at risk of snow disruption have been fitted with fences to stop snow blowing onto the tracks.

In addition, more than 100km of heating strips have been fitted to prevent ice building up on the conductor rails that power trains in the south and south-east of England, where the UK’s busiest train routes are.

Network Rail warned that during bad weather, low temperatures could also cause tracks to freeze up.

“We work closely with train operators to minimise any impact on passenger services during winter weather such as snow and ice,” said Andy Thomas, managing director of strategic operations at Network Rail.

“Key sections of track are fitted with heaters and insulation to help stop them freezing, and empty trains can be run through the night to help keep tracks clear. We have extra teams of people on the ground to respond to incidents and carry out regular inspections of our infrastructure.

“When conditions are very serious, trains might have to slow down – just as a car would on a road – this is so everyone can get where they need to go, safely.”

Robert Nisbet, regional director at the Rail Delivery Group added: “When cold weather strikes, rail staff work around the clock to keep customers moving and ensure they can continue to travel by train where possible.

“Train companies are working together with Network Rail to do as much as they can to prepare, but when conditions get serious customers should check before they travel.”

During March 2018’s Beast from the East, there was chaos for UK travellers, as motorists were stranded in their cars, rail services were cut and airports cancelled flights.