Translink steps up autumn rail safety measures as fallen leaves threaten train services
MPV leaf busting train
Tuesday 20 October 2026
Fallen leaves might seem harmless, but on Northern Ireland’s railway lines they can create conditions similar to black ice, making it harder for trains to brake and accelerate safely.
Translink has stepped up its annual autumn maintenance programme, deploying specialist equipment and engineering trains to tackle slippery tracks and reduce the risk of delays and disruption for passengers.
The operation includes treating around 30,000 miles of track each year, using high-pressure water jets, specialist rail treatments and technology designed to improve grip between train wheels and the rails.
Why fallen leaves cause problems for trains
When leaves fall onto railway tracks, wet weather and the weight of passing trains can compress them into a thin, slippery layer on the rail surface.
This reduces the grip available to train wheels, potentially affecting braking and acceleration, particularly during damp autumn conditions.
The problem, known in the railway industry as low adhesion, requires additional precautions to help trains operate safely and reliably.
Specialist trains tackle slippery tracks
Translink's autumn preparations involve a combination of preventative maintenance, weather forecasting and specialist engineering equipment.
Among the measures being used are:
• Year-round vegetation management to reduce the number of leaves falling onto railway tracks.
• Specialist Met Office forecasts to identify locations at greater risk of slippery rail conditions.
• Engineering trains fitted with high-pressure water jets to clean contaminated rails.
• Sandite treatment systems, using up to 100,000 litres annually to improve grip between wheels and rails.
• On-board sanding equipment and wheel-slip protection technology fitted to many passenger trains.
• Advanced monitoring systems to identify and manage areas affected by poor rail adhesion.
• Trials of new track-scrubbing technology designed to remove leaf contamination more effectively.
The specialist engineering trains, sometimes described as ‘leaf-busting’ trains, play an important role in keeping the network operational during the autumn months.
Safety remains the priority
Track scrubbers at work
Mervyn McCollam, Head of Rail Infrastructure at Translink, said teams work throughout the leaf-fall season to minimise the impact on services.
“Safety is always our top priority, and our teams work around the clock throughout the leaf fall season to keep the railway operating safely and efficiently. Each year, we treat around 30,000 miles of track and deploy a range of proven tactics, including vegetation management, specialist driver training and innovative technologies to tackle low adhesion conditions.
“These actions help us reduce the impact of leaf fall and ensure our passengers can continue to travel with confidence.”
Preparations for freezing weather
Alongside its autumn leaf-clearing programme, Translink is preparing the railway network for the colder winter months.
Measures include activating heaters on railway points to prevent essential track equipment from freezing, alongside treatments to help keep station platforms safe during periods of frost and ice.
These preparations are intended to reduce weather-related disruption as temperatures fall and passengers continue to rely on rail services for work, education and other journeys.
Mr McCollam added:
“We know our customers rely on us every day to get them where they need to be. By continually reviewing and strengthening our seasonal plans, we're doing everything we can to keep people Better Connected and help them reach their destinations safely throughout the autumn and winter months.”
Travel advice and behind-the-scenes videos
Passengers are encouraged to check Translink's Journey Planner app for the latest train times, service updates and travel information, particularly during periods of adverse weather.
Further information about the annual leaf-fall challenge and the measures being taken is available at here.
Translink has also released behind-the-scenes footage showing the people and daily maintenance work involved in keeping Northern Ireland's railways moving throughout autumn:
Passengers can also watch one of the specialist MPV ‘leaf-busting’ trains in action:
With wetter weather and falling temperatures increasing the challenges facing the railway network, passengers are advised to monitor service updates before travelling, particularly when conditions deteriorate.
