At the latest meeting of ethe UKTram Engineering Group the topic of track welding methods was discussed with improvements identified as an effective way to improve operational performance on the nation’s tramways.
The issue was addressed during a best practice workshop which also saw a presentation by Chris McKeown Pandrol, Head of Operations at ATW UK, Ireland and Scandinavia. At this workshop participants heard that welding failures in embedded groove track can be avoided, reducing the risk of costly repairs and service disruption.
Phil Terry, UKTram Lead Engineer, said: “Correctly, and to standard, welded grooved track is essential for the safe and efficient running of any light rail network, and the meeting provided an ideal opportunity for sector professionals and industry leads to share best practice and discuss guidance. This is especially important where procurement occurs outside the operator or maintainer remit.”
The meeting also saw updates from across the networks as well as from the ORR and Light Rail Safety and Standards Board. Specific incidents and ongoing investigations in the light rail sector were provided by Simon Lomax, Principal Inspector of Rail Accidents at the RAIB.