There is a lot of inconveniences from overgrown trees and weeds. These inconveniences require measures as they threaten the safety and operational of both the passengers and engineers. The overgrown trees act as obstacles making operators to lose visibility. The obstacles pose danger in contacting with overhead catenary lines delaying the passengers. Railroad weed control as an operation is vital in enhancing the safety and effective journey.
When the weeds have overgrown, they make it difficult for maintainers to easily see broken railroad. There are automated equipment, switch heaters, which in such a case cannot work effectively. Several programs have been initiated in a bid to control the dangers coming up from the overgrown vegetable. The sprouted weeds are therefore killed by using such programs keeping control of bushes and trees. It is not easy to make this work but not impossible. The use of mechanical cutting as a method and spraying of herbicides come in to help the situation.
There have been several methods initiated to deal with this disturbing and dangerous problem. Use of water happen to be one of them whereby a machine is mounted onto a truck. It pours scalding water on the tracks killing vegetation available. Another method used to kill the weeds was the flaming. In this particular method, a vehicle was outfitted having weed burners in the like of nozzles which directed flames on track, searing vegetation.
The foundation of the railroad is the most important in this transport mode. At times can be ignored but plays a vital role in the time consumed and safety of the passengers. The rail control never get the attention it requires and never get to the limelight. The control of the weeds prevents accidents from happening or in other words minimizes them.
Track compliance and maintenance has been given priority by railroad companies whereby certain amount is set aside for such maintenance. Taking an example of Amtrak which is a program set aside for railroad maintenance was valued at $2.2 million annually. Clear line of sight is required in case the engineers are operating at 150 mph. Going at such speed would cause accident if interrupted.
Technological advancement has brought with it new and better methods of weed control in the railroads. During the pre-emergent period, contractors apply herbicides off and also on the track. This happens between the 3rd and the end of April. Start of June the post-emergent herbicide is sprayed which is intended to remove the pesky weeds and plants left or survived the pre-emergent.
The hard work has eventually paid off as the vegetation acting as obstacles to signals and signs to the public has been cleared giving a clear view. Moreover, the clearing has reduced the bad crossing conditions, slippery. Unnecessary fires has been avoided which come from dry weeds. There has been also improvement of bed integrity from the regular inspection.
The essentiality of these programs have been felt as they have helped in management of the vegetation. Through the use of current methods as well as techniques the process of maintaining the railroads eased.
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