Railway electrification

[Harry Bloomfield]

Our local main railway line is in the process of being electrified, which raises my curiosity...

There are two bridges, quite old, one stone with a preservation order on it. I assume the track to underside of bridge clearance will not be adeqaute for the electrification, what is the usual solution they use - jack up the bridge, or lower the track bed?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Around our way, most of the bridges have been demolished and lifted.
I believe in Bath, there has been work to lower the track through tunnels.
But this is a new one on me - "Electric resistant paint"!

Cardiff bridge avoids £40m demolition thanks to electric resistant paint

In a world first, electric resistant paint combined with voltage-controlled clearance (VCC) has helped make a Victorian railway bridge usable by new electric trains, avoiding weeks of passenger disruption and train delays in the process.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

There is also a problem with old bridges - the parapets often have to be lifted, so people can't jump, or throw items onto the wires, that's why demolition is often preferred.

 

[Alec_t]

Both techniques are used. See for example Section 13 of this document.

 

[bernardgreen]

The railway line was electrified. Many Victorian bridges over the tracks were modified to provide clearance for the over head wires.
This was one of them before and after.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

But this is a new one on me - "Electric resistant paint"!

Interesting - My best guess is that it must be a super insulating paint, better insulation than the surrounding air.

Crossing one of the bridges last week on foot, Avril spotted a what looked like fairly new looking ladies bike lopped over the railings. High above the track, luckily there was a bush stopping it from falling down onto the track. We decided to recover it between us, with a rope and a hook. Suspecting it was stolen and dumped - I've advised the police, and mentioned the find on several local FB pages, with no one claiming it, so I began sorting it out. Other than a clean and a drop of oil, plus a pair of replacement brake levers, it's good as new.