Ask VIA: Tracks #1

A couple weeks ago we asked you to submit your questions for our new segment, Ask VIA, and ask you did!

Above, the “winning” questions, sent in by Mark Drew and Charles Beckers on VIA Rail’s Facebook wall, are answered by Tony Dadamo, VIA’s Quality Control Inspector and resident Tracks expert. 

Many more of you were also curious about our tracks, so here are a few answers to your questions:

Sylvia Smith asked: How often are the tracks the VIA Rail travels on inspected, and if there is an immediate repair need, is it taken care of shortly?

Tony says: All tracks must be checked weekly, either two times per week (if they have been inspected by a geometry test car), or three times per week (if they have not). The tracks are inspected by high rail trucks and if there are any defects found there are three possible actions, depending on its severity:

1. a) repair immediately
2. b) reduce the speed of trains that travel over that portion of track
3. c) take the track out of service
4.  

William Keats asked: What is the life span of a rail to the graveyard?

Tony says: There is no definitive “life span” for a rail. The life span is dependant on many factors including: how much tonnage travels over it and whether it is part of a tangent track (straight) or part of a curve. The curves don’t last as long, as they naturally get more wear and tear. Another big factor is the size of the rail. Rails are given numbers such as 85, 100, 132, 136 or 141, which refers to its weight in pounds, per three feet of rail. The heavier the rail, the longer the life span. Some rails last decades, while others need to be replaced every few years.

Thank you for your questions! Check back for more Ask VIA soon.