Hotwatt Blog

Winter Is Coming: Are Your Rails Ready?

Written by Backer Hotwatt | Sep 12, 2024 8:21:20 PM

Prepare Now to Keep Railways Free of Ice and Snow 

As winter approaches, the looming threat of severe weather—ice, snow, and fluctuating temperatures—can significantly affect the safety and effectiveness of rail transit operations, posing challenges for railway heating and maintenance. Rail switches and switch points, in particular, are among the most susceptible components of the railway system; their proper functioning during winter is crucial to preventing accidents, delays, and expensive repairs. 

Challenges of Heating and Maintaining Winter Track Switches

Preparing for winter is one of the highest costs for rail companies. A substantial portion of the over $23 billion invested annually by railways goes towards restoring, upgrading, and acquiring new winter-related equipment and technologies. [i]

To ensure railways operate smoothly during the winter months, comprehensive inspections are essential to verify that both the tracks and heaters are functioning properly. Before the cold sets in, it’s vital to examine all components—including slide plates, switch rods, mechanisms, and heaters—to confirm they are all in optimal condition to handle the harsh winter weather.

By investing in reliable, durable rail switch heaters ahead of winter, companies can significantly alleviate the difficulties associated with maintaining track switches during the cold season, which include:

  • Accumulation of Ice and Snow: Ice and snow can build up within the switch mechanism, hindering its movement. This can lead to switch failures, resulting in rerouting or delays for trains. 
  • Frozen Components: The drop in temperature can cause metal parts to contract and become fragile, increasing the risk of breakage. 
  • Decreased Lubrication Effectiveness: Cold weather can reduce the efficacy of lubricants, leading to heightened friction and wear on switch components. 
  • Signal Disruptions: Ice and snow can obstruct the electrical components of the switch, resulting in signal failures that jeopardize safety. 

Cost Effective Rail Switch Heater Winterization and Maintenance

Rail transit authorities often prioritize railway maintenance during the summer and fall months to prepare for the challenging conditions of winter. By proactively addressing maintenance needs, rail authorities can help minimize the costs and risks associated with harsh winter weather conditions.

Winter prep reduces the risk of failures related to infrastructure deterioration and ensures that trains operate smoothly and safely during the winter months. This requires that the rail switches and the movable rail they control—switch points—be kept free and clear of ice and snow. The removal of snow and ice is best applied through direct heat to the switch points rails and the switch machines that drive them. This may also require ancillary heating of the rail ballast beneath the switch machines.

Backer Hotwatt helps make winter prep and maintenance more efficient and cost effective. We offer a comprehensive selection of rail heaters and components, fully customizable to your specifications. Download a full production specification document here.

Our solutions include:

Flat Tubular Switch Point Heaters

Round Tubular Switch Point Heaters

Crib Heaters (Switch Rod Heaters)

Running Rail Heaters

Ballast Heaters

Hollow Steel Ties

Built using high-quality materials and proprietary manufacturing techniques, our heaters are designed to last dependably through many seasons. You can We excel at custom manufacturing of heaters for railways.

What does this mean for you?

  • We build heaters to any length and size you need
  • We have largest selection of diameters and alloys available, providing you with options
  • Transit customers—both in the freight and passenger rail segments—buy directly from us
  • You receive better technical support and more customizable options than standard heating offerings elsewhere

Read more about how we service the railroad and rail transit sectors on this comprehensive resource page.

Reduce Winter Prep and Maintenance Costs

Winterization of rail switches and switch points is vital to maintaining safe and efficient railway operations during the winter months. By taking proactive measures—such as installing rugged, well-engineered track switch heaters with superior longevity—railway operators can reduce the operating costs of winterization and maintenance.

Backer Hotwatt helps solve unique rail heating challenges. For more than 50 years we have custom designed and manufactured railway heaters, built to any length and size, with the largest selection of diameters and alloys available. Because customers buy directly from us, this means that our transit customers—both in the freight and passenger rail segments—receive personalized technical support and more customizable options than standard heating offerings.

How can we help you with your next rail switch heating project? Contact an engineer today to set up a consultation. We look forward to helping you soon.

[i] https://www.aar.org/issue/winter-weather/