As a network that threads the fabric of modern mobility, railways have been and remain essential for maintaining global connectivity. However, one persistent adversary stands ready to compromise their structural integrity: flooding.
Increasing the resilience of rail networks to cope with extreme weather events resulting from climate change is a priority across the industry. But while we may not be able to control such events, we can leverage innovative technologies to reduce their impact.
Research from 2022 by CSIC Research Associate, Dr Manu Sasidharan, found that in the past five years, there have been more than 2250 flooding events affecting rail networks in the UK, leading to 1.3M hours of delay costing rail operator Network Rail £1.7M every year1.
Impact of Flooding on Rail Systems
Flooding presents a multifaceted challenge to rail systems. It severs the arteries of mobility, rendering train services unreliable, and poses a significant safety threat. Flood waters can destabilise tracks, render electronic systems non-operational and severely limit visibility, all of which significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Moreover, flooding affects rail infrastructure longevity. Prolonged exposure to water exacerbates the process of corrosion and degradation in rail materials, leading to more frequent maintenance and higher costs. It can also result in landslips, which can distort tracks and necessitate expensive repair work.
The consequential disruption is not limited to the railway industry. In a world increasingly reliant on efficient transport networks, any delay or service cancellation can ripple through the economy, affecting businesses and individual lives.
Predictions for the Future of Rail Networks
With climate change becoming an unavoidable reality, the UK is predicted to face more frequent and severe weather conditions, including higher rainfall and more intense storms. These changes inevitably point towards an increased likelihood of flooding, presenting a grim scenario for the country’s rail infrastructure.
According to the Committee on Climate Change, a government advisory group, the UK’s rail network is particularly vulnerable due to its age and design. Many rail lines run along coastal areas and river valleys – geographical areas naturally prone to flooding. With the predicted rise in sea levels and increased rainfall, these rail lines are at a heightened risk.
Dr Manu Sasidharan has predicted that heavy rainfall and flooding present the highest risk to future rail networks. During his ‘Water, Water Everywhere – Assessing the impact of flood on railway infrastructure’ presentation he explained that research shows that there is a significant risk to 3500 km of rail line from surface flooding and risk to 1150 km of rail line from river flooding. By 2080, this risk could increase by 120% due to climate change with disruptions estimated at costing up to £23M a year2.
The Role of TrackWater in Mitigating Flood Risks
In response to this looming challenge, the industry has recognised the urgent need for innovation. One such solution comes in the form of TrackWater, a product developed by RailSense.
TrackWater is an IoT sensor and data-driven product specifically designed to reduce the incidence of flooding on the rail network. It leverages advanced sensor technology to monitor environmental parameters like rainfall, temperature and water levels in real-time. This data is processed using advanced algorithms, providing railway operators with predictive analysis about potential flood risks.
This continuous monitoring and real-time data analysis allows for a proactive approach to flooding. Rather than a reactive approach to floods after they occur, rail operators can use TrackWater’s insights to take preventative measures, such as rerouting trains, reducing speeds or even halting services until the risk subsides.
Moreover, by understanding where and when flooding is likely to occur, operators can prioritise infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas, ultimately improving passenger and operative safety and service performance.
The Future: A Data-Driven Approach
The future of flood management on railway systems relies on the effective use of technology like TrackWater. By deploying IoT sensors and harnessing the power of data analytics, railway operators can predict flood incidents, prevent disruptions and prioritise safety, providing a robust response to an increasingly unpredictable climate.
While we cannot stop the storms or control the weather, technologies like TrackWater equip us with the tools to ride them. As we look towards a future where weather extremes become the norm, the railway systems must not only brace for these changes but also use them as a catalyst for innovative adaptations.
Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that our railway systems, pillars of modern mobility, are resilient and adaptive in the face of these challenges. With advanced, data-driven solutions like TrackWater, we can ride the storm, ensuring that our railways remain safe, operational, and efficient, come rain or shine.