Track Adhesion Improvement

Descriptions

TfL runs most of London’s rail transport services, including the London Underground, TfL Rail (pre-cursor to Crossrail) and London Trams. Adhesion is an issue in Autumn especially due to leaves on the track. TfL is looking to run a competitive tender for track adhesion improvers. Track adhesives help to combat leaves on the line, which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots. Lack of traction can render a train unable to move, increases braking distances and slows acceleration. Currently LU uses a substance called Sandite, a mixture of sand, antifreeze and steel shot to remedy this. TfL is open to alternative solutions to reduce dependency solely on Sandite. TfL is looking for alternatives which are less expensive and/or better quality to enable efficiency and savings. TfL runs most of London’s rail transport services, including the London Underground, TfL Rail (pre-cursor to Crossrail) and London Trams. Adhesion is an issue in Autumn especially due to leaves on the track. TfL is looking to run a competitive tender for track adhesion improvers. Track adhesives help to combat leaves on the line, which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots. Lack of traction can render a train unable to move, increases braking distances and slows acceleration. Currently LU uses a substance called Sandite, a mixture of sand, antifreeze and steel shot to remedy this. TfL is open to alternative solutions to reduce dependency solely on Sandite. TfL is looking for alternatives which are less expensive and/or better quality to enable efficiency and savings.