Motorised Track Trolley
Project Overview
Cleshar’s Motorised Track Trolley Operations Team and Transport for London (TfL) have worked together to reduce the number of service delays caused by fallen leaves, snow, and weeds developing around the rails. This collaboration came about because of Cleshar’s ongoing TfL Vegetation Clearing Contract
Scope of Works
Historically, delays have been brought about by fallen leaves on the tracks. In 2020, TfL’s Asset Operations Manager, Craig Ward, redesigned the motorised track trolley – which has previously been used to transport materials to work sites – to assist in removing snow, weeds, and leaves from rail tracks.
Innovations
Craig redesigned the motorised track trolley so that it would contain a 1000 ltr tank on the trailing trolley and jet sprayers on the drivers’ trolley. When snow has fallen on the track, the tank can be filled with sandite, and glycol and the jet sprays directed at the track. These de-ice the snow and protect the rails from further fall.
To avoid build-up of snow and iced materials near the rails, the jets can be directed up and down the adjacent embankments. This removes the risk of items falling on the track and freezing the rails. Thirdly, the jet sprays can allow for high pressure water escape, and, in leaf season, this can blast leaf fall off the rails. This cleans the rail head and results in less wheel slippage.
The jet sprayers can be angled toward either the track or the sidings.
Cleshar were the first rail contractor to use the product on the LU network.
Benefits / Project Outcome
The savings to the client are profound. Prior to implementation, we would task 3 men with the job of clearing or de-icing the track and embankment. This work would be programmed in 200m sections overnight. Now one operative can safely complete 2000m of work in one overnight possession.