Innovative Dry Ice Technology Trialled to Tackle Leaf-Fall on UK Railways
Autumn may bring picturesque landscapes, but for the UK rail network, fallen leaves can spell serious disruption. In a bid to tackle this seasonal hazard, the UK rail industry is testing a cutting-edge solution: dry ice blasting technology.
The Autumn Dilemma for Railways
When leaves fall onto railway tracks and are compressed by train wheels, they create a slippery layer similar to black ice. This causes issues such as:
- Reduced traction for trains
- Delays due to cautious braking and acceleration
- Disruption to automated timetables and signalling systems
Every autumn, Network Rail spends millions on combating this issue using methods such as high-pressure water jets and sand-jetting trains. However, these methods aren’t always efficient, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Dry Ice Blasting: A Cleaner, Quieter Alternative
The current trials, led by Network Rail and partners including Sheffield-based company IceTech, involve using compressed dry ice pellets to remove leaf residue from rails. The key advantages of this approach include:
- Low noise emissions — making it suitable for early morning or late-night operations in residential areas
- No water usage — avoiding the risk of freezing on tracks during colder weather
- Eco-friendly — leaves no chemical residue behind
- Compact equipment — allowing the system to be mounted on light rail vehicles or quad bikes for agile deployment
Trial Results and Future Potential
Preliminary data from rides on test tracks and selected live rail sections is promising. The dry ice system effectively removes leaf mulch and improves wheel adhesion. Engineers hope this innovation can supplement or even replace existing systems in certain scenarios.
Rob Wainwright, Network Rail’s seasonal improvement programme manager, commented: “Dry ice technology could be a real game-changer. It’s sustainable, scalable, and efficient—qualities we need as we modernise rail maintenance.”
Looking Ahead
While still in the testing phase, the successful deployment of dry ice technology could lead to:
- Enhanced safety and performance during the autumn season
- Cost savings on traditional cleaning and repair measures
- A greener maintenance model in line with Net Zero goals
With further trials planned over the next year, passengers may soon see fewer delays due to leaves on the line—thanks to a cool, clean blast of dry ice.