Contractors working on overhead caternary system behind partial railway blockade whilst trains are still running on live tracks
The safest way for work teams to carry out repairs or maintenance on railways is to separate workers from trains by arranging for all the lines to be blocked and the power to be switched off. Unfortunately, such ‘green zone’ working is rarely possible (except for major projects) because it would cause unacceptable cancellations and delays to busy rail networks. Therefore, partial blockades are set up which allow trains to run on some lines whilst others are blocked or ‘red zone’ working which involves warning workers of approaching trains in time for them to get clear of the line and into 'positions of safety' well before the train arrives. ‘Red zone’ working requires very stringent safety systems to be put in place. An efficient and integrated transportation system is essential for any developed or developing country. Transport drives productivity, improves the quality of life and, carefully planned, is good for the environment. An affordable, sustainable passenger and freight railway service is a vital component of a nation’s economic success. Railways are the safest form of mass transportation. Each day, the UK rail network carries around 22,000 trains, many are full to capacity and the demand is predicted to grow by 30% in the next decade. It is essential to get more passengers onto an already crowded railway. The system receives a daily pounding from an ever-increasing number of faster and heavier trains and it's no surprise that a huge amount of the rail system needs to be upgraded or replaced to ensure a reliable, efficient and safe system. Unfortunately, for reasons of safety, major works must take place during prolonged 'possessions' or ‘blockades’ when the trains are stopped and the contractors can carry out their essential replacement programmes unimpeded. Skilled rail contractors using sophisticated machinery are utilised to speed the upgrade programme as much as possible.
Size: 3310px × 3309px
Location: Hertfordshire, UK.
Photo credit: © qaphotos.com / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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