Network Rail is gearing up for one of the most intensive seasonal operations on the railway calendar, as specialist teams begin a £6.4 million autumn treatment programme to tackle the challenges posed by falling leaves and wet weather.
Leaves on the line can create a slippery layer on damp rails, similar to black ice on roads, affecting train braking and acceleration. To combat this, specialist leaf-busting trains and multi-purpose vehicles will be deployed across Scotland’s railway over the next ten weeks.
The operation includes:
- 400 treatment circuits covering 82,000 miles
- Use of 155 tonnes of sand to improve traction
- Over 25,000 staff hours dedicated to keeping the network safe and reliable
High-pressure water jets will clean the rails, while sand will be applied to improve grip. On key routes in central Scotland, Fife, and the Highland Main Line, teams will carry out shorter, more frequent treatments to minimise disruption.
Specialist weather forecasters will monitor conditions daily, helping to target resources where they’re needed most. The programme is closely coordinated with ScotRail, including minor timetable adjustments to improve resilience and reduce knock-on delays.
These changes are based on detailed analysis of punctuality and reliability data, ensuring that the most impactful services are prioritised. Most routes will retain their usual schedules, with only a small number of services affected.
Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, Ross Moran, commented:
“People might not realise just how challenging Autumn can be for the railway, but it’s a season that demands serious levels of preparation and action.
“Our teams across Scotland have been planning this operation for months. It’s a huge logistical effort involving specialist staff, trains, and technology, all working together to keep passengers moving safely.
“We know how vital reliability is throughout the year, and even more so as we head into the darker, colder months. That’s why this work is so important. It aims to strengthen the resilience of the network, reduce delays, and help trains operate safely and efficiently, whatever the season.”
In preparation for autumn, vegetation management projects were also carried out over the summer to reduce obstructions and improve visibility across the network. This seasonal operation is a vital part of Network Rail’s commitment to keeping passengers moving safely and reliably, even in challenging weather conditions.
Image credit: Network Rail
