Broken Sleepers - Safety?

[andypops]

I'm quite concerned about the number of broken wooden sleepers which I have seen on a short stretch of track, and wanted advice on what I should do - i.e. report it, or just happily igore it.

The sleepers in question are wooden, with several broken at intervals over approx. 100m. They are on a goods loop that is in very regular use, next to another loop and with both goods between two running lines. The track is jointed on the loop.

The wooden sleepers are completely split / distorted, with a couple visibly missing large chunks, so that the chairs they are holding look like they're barely held. Several are completely out of angle; definitely not perpendicular to the rail. The track over the sleepers is retained by chairs, not Pandrol clips.

I'm reasonably worried that if any more sleepers fail, the rail will spread and lead to a derailment. This problem has been getting worse for over a year (if not two), and I have seriously considered contacting NR to report it in the past. If so, how do you go about it?

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Probably best to report it to NR anyway, as to how to report it, there might be a form on their website

 

[andypops]

Thanks. Have had a look but couldn't find anything; only an emergency number to call, and I don't think it's reached that stage yet.

 

[gazthomas]

Is there a bridge or level crossing nearby? These generally have an emergency contact number for "the railway authority" - Network Rail.

 

[ainsworth74]

Give them a call on their helpline: 08457 11 41 41 or use their online form.

 

[fsmr]

I posted some info on their form about a broken road LC deck and they had the bed up the next weekend Doesn't hurt it is not like the old days when the old platelayers used to own and live in the section. Obviously buckled track on a hot day is an emergency call to NWR
However something as seemingly trivial as a broken sleeper could cause a joint dip and derailment even at low speed leading to far more serious consequences

 

[deltic08]

I posted some info on their form about a broken road LC deck and they had the bed up the next weekend Doesn't hurt it is not like the old days when the old platelayers used to own and live in the section. Obviously buckled track on a hot day is an emergency call to NWR
However something as seemingly trivial as a broken sleeper could cause a joint dip and derailment even at low speed leading to far more serious consequences

How have you discovered this? Were you trespassing?

 

[DarloRich]

How have you discovered this? Were you trespassing?

not if he was complaining about a broken level crossing deck. He will have had to step or drive over it

 

[deltic08]

not if he was complaining about a broken level crossing deck. He will have had to step or drive over it

No mention of level crossing deck just broken wooden sleepers.

 

[Tomnick]

No mention of level crossing deck just broken wooden sleepers.

The post that you've quoted clearly refers to a crossing deck. It's entirely conceivable that the broken sleepers referred to in the original post were viewed from a station platform, footbridge, level crossing or adjacent footpath though. Seems quite a reasonable concern to pass onto Network Rail for further investigation, through the proper non-emergency channels (the 0845 number given above is probably the best option).

 

[Clip]

No mention of level crossing deck just broken wooden sleepers.

Even though you quoted the wrong person there are many lines over the country where footpaths run close by where you can observe the trackbed and sleepers even these things called footbridges which can enable you to view for quite some distance and good on the OP for noticing.

 

[Ediswan]

How have you discovered this? Were you trespassing?

To add to the list of the potential legitimate viewing opportunities: maybe as a paying passenger on one of the adjaecnt running lines.