How safe is this?

[Nickt]

This is a (first) post from an ignoramus, so I'm hoping for helpful answers from the knowledgeable people on here, please.

I regularly travel between Leeds and Harrogate - for those not familiar, it's basically a commuter line using Sprinter-type DMUs and is undergoing signalling upgrades. The track is laid on a variety of sleepers, concrete, steel and wood. At one particular station some of the sleepers have rotted away, leaving the plates (correct word?) which hold the clips hanging over a hole. In some places, there doesn't appear to be much timber for the bolts to bite into. Other sleepers appear to be split from end to end. Of course, I can't see the condition of other stretches of track as we speed along.

The ride, at a low speed for the station stop, seems good but it looks disconcerting. The local rail partnership told me a year ago that the track is up to standard.

How rotten do sleepers have to get before they are replaced - or fail?

 

[bronzeonion]

I think the minimum is one good sleeper out of 6 on a line like that. Please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[DarloRich]

If in doubt call the Network Rail Helpline on 08457 11 41 41 and report your concerns

(PS have you got a picture?)

 

[scotraildriver]

It is almost certainly "safe" but far from ideal especially when the public can see it. We had landslip incident a while back where the whole trackbed washed away leaving the rails and sleepers suspended over a 20ft gap. It still took the weight of a 156! So a few rotten sleepers isn't likely to cause harm. But its not very good either.

 

[cjmillsnun]

It's probably safe, although you're likely to see the track flex as a train passes over it. Not such a good ride for passengers.

As suggested report it to Network Rail who can investigate it and sort out getting it repaired.

 

[Nickt]

Thanks to all for the comforting replies, it certainly looks bad but perhaps that is misleading about just how safe it is. I might give NR a poke.

Thanks again.

Nickt

 

[455driver]

It's probably safe, although you're likely to see the track flex as a train passes over it.

I hope the track does flex, it will crack if it doesnt.

 

[Trog]

For 60MPH or less not on a tight curve you are allowed 6 ineffective sleepers in 60'-0", these not to be in consecutive runs of more than two sleepers. An ineffective sleeper is one that can not support the rails or retain them to gauge. Faster and curved lines with radii tighter than 800m, should have a lower maximum number of ineffective sleepers.

If you think you can see a problem report it. The P-Way prefer this to a driver finding it the hard way, as it reduces the paperwork.

P.S. If you do report it make sure you clearly identify the problem, where and which line you think it is on. As there is nothing worse than getting a message saying that someone has seen a fault but we do not know what or where.

 

[asylumxl]

It is almost certainly "safe" but far from ideal especially when the public can see it. We had landslip incident a while back where the whole trackbed washed away leaving the rails and sleepers suspended over a 20ft gap. It still took the weight of a 156! So a few rotten sleepers isn't likely to cause harm. But its not very good either.

I would love to see this!