Points of Failure on a Railroad Line and the Solutions

Railroad Errors

The high speed and efficiency in which a train runs is what makes it a popular form of transportation for both people and freight. Once a line goes down, that speed comes to a literal halt. While it does not happen often, when it does, it costs people time and money.
One common error occurs at the section of the track that moves. Mainly, the junctions in which trains move from one line to the other. The busiest of railroad lines will see a hundred trains passing over it every day.

Causes of Junction Failure

There are many reasons why a junction will fail. Collection of debris or natural elements like ice will clog the junction. In the summertime, hot weather will cause the driving mechanism to expand, not allowing it to operate. Or it can be simply due to high wear and tear over the years. When any of these problems occur, the signal before the points will turn red preventing a train from passing.

Three Solutions to the Problem

There are failsafe measure that a railroad line can put into place to ensure the line keeps running with minimal interruption.
Remotely Monitored- Many likes are monitored via cameras from a remote location. The reaction is instantaneous, the problem is spotted and an engineer is sent out to assess and fix the problem.
Upgrading the Junctions- As stated before, one of the reasons why the junctions fail is due to the constant wear and tear. To combat this, upgrading old lines is the best solution. Over the years the material has been made much more durable with improved designs.
Protection- Protective covers on problematic areas along the line will prevent failures in the future. Debris and other elements will not accumulate in an area they cannot reach. Painting similar areas white will reduce the absorption of heat. Which will prevent the junctions from expanding.

Los Angeles Rail Line Company

For railroads systems in Los Angeles, we have over 130 years of experience. Our years of experience means we are well-versed in all issues, and solutions, pertaining to railroad lines. For more information about how we can aid your line, visit our site or contact us at (310)323-7784.