Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Giant snowblowers like these are used to clear tracks through mountainous areas where
heavy winter snows can block tracks and stall trains. This would make short work of
your driveway, wouldn't it! Photo by Jeff Jerry
Weather Problems
Trains are usually bothered less by weather conditions than cars
or planes, but rain, snow, or cold can and do cause problems for
railroads. Heavy rain can wash out track, or, more precisely, the
roadbed on which the rails and cross ties have been laid. Steel
rails contract and occasionally break in cold weather, and drift-
ing snow can slow or even stop a train. Railroads have special
locomotives equipped with snowplows or snowblowers that are
constantly on standby when heavy snows are forecast. Prolonged
periods of subzero temperatures can freeze switches. And fog
sometimes causes delays because it can severely reduce visibility
for the head-end crew.
Whatever the cause, and whether it's passengers or freight,
railroads will go to great extremes to keep rolling or, failing that,
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