Railroad maintenance has been in the news lately. Certain railway accidents have put the need for better railroad track maintenance into the public eye, and for good reason. While you might think of railroad tracks as being of this indestructible material that you can rely upon without much consideration, the opposite is true. It takes a lot of maintenance and observation to ensure that our nation’s tracks can withstand the massive forces caused by running trains, as well as natural phenomena like the weather, ground settlement, and stormwater.
We thought we’d break down a few broader reasons why railroad track just isn’t important, but an integral component to the well-being, productivity, and efficiency of the entire country.
Safety of Passengers & Residents
The safety of passengers and workers is paramount in any mode of transportation, and this is particularly true for railroads. Regular maintenance and inspection of the tracks, switches and other components of the railroad system help ensure that they are functioning correctly and are safe for use.
Furthermore, track safety is important to the people that drive over crossings or live near railroads. The train derailments in recent news highlight just how important safe railroads are to our communities, as train derailments can have a wider reach than the immediate vicinity.
Operational Efficiency
A well-maintained railroad system is also more efficient, reducing delays and increasing the speed at which trains can travel. This can lead to lower operating costs and increased productivity.
As the saying goes, time is money, so well-maintained railroads allow for faster travel, and heavier loads, and that is a boon to manufacturing, transportation, and even morning commuting.
Cost-Savings
Derailments and even general disrepair of a railroad can be costly, resulting in damage to equipment and infrastructure, as well as potential liability issues. By investing in maintenance and preventive measures, rail companies can reduce the likelihood of derailments and save money in the long run.
Preventative maintenance, in every case we’ve seen, is an investment that means fewer headaches and lower operational and repair costs in the long term.
Reputation
A derailment can be a major news event, potentially damaging the reputation of the rail company and affecting public perception. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these incidents and ensure that the company is seen as responsible and reliable.
Within the industry, railroad track that is poorly maintained will spread via word of mouth. Railroad companies must protect their reputations by investing in regular maintenance and earning the trust of both clients and the public.
Luckily, we offer preventative maintenance on railroads, and we do repairs, among many other services within the railroad industry. If you’re interested in learning more about our capabilities, then reach out to us any time.