IMPROVED forecasting and more widespread use of technology to monitor vulnerable earthworks are the two key recommendations of Network Rail's interim report into the impact of extreme weather on the resilience and safety of the railway following August 12's tragic derailment at Carmont.
NR's report is not intended to pre-empt the findingsof the formal investigations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), Office of Rail and Road (ORR) or the police, but sets out immediate and long-term action to improve resilience to extreme weather events.
Sensors
It highlights the need for greater deployment of technology such as movement sensors and CCTV to predict failures, and investment in better forecasting to enable local decisions for imminent weather events.
Rules for reporting and responding to heavy rainfall will also be improved, helping signallers to manage services during bad weather.