Comparative Rail Safety

[Nan Yang]

Norfolk Southern train derails in DeKalb County near Battelle​

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in DeKalb County(DeKalb County EMA/ Michael Posey)

By WAFF 48 Digital Staff and Savannah Sapp
Published: Aug. 18, 2023 at 9:41 AM PDT|Updated: Aug. 18, 2023 at 1:48 PM PDT

BATTELLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Five train cars derailed in northern DeKalb County near the Georgia state line at approximately 9:30 a.m Friday.

The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency confirms Norfolk Southern officials were on the scene investigating the incident. The cars derailed between Battelle and Valley Head on County Road 759, 1.5 miles southwest of the Alabama/Georgia state line.

According to DeKalb County EMA deputy director, Michael Posey, the derailment involved a southbound train in the rural part of DeKalb County. He says that the cars were not carrying hazardous materials, however, they were carrying medical-grade plastics and sand products.
DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency said they received initial notice of the incident from Valley Head Fire Department and dispatched personnel along with situation assessment access including drone operations.

Norfolk Southern train derailment in Battelle(DeKalb County EMA/ Michael Posey)

Since the derailment happened in a rural part of the county near the Georgia line, it does not pose any safety threats.

Norfolk Southern is working to clear the cars right now.

According to Norfolk Southern, the derailment involved four overturned cars and one upright car. There were no injuries and no spills.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency says they will continue to monitor the recovery and provide any additional details necessary.

Norfolk Southern says they are not sure what caused the incident and will continue to investigate.

WAFF 48 has a crew on the way to the scene. Watch this afternoon at 4 p.m. for more information.

 

[Nan Yang]

BNSF train carrying consumer goods derails near Big Lake​

By WCCO Staff
Updated on: July 20, 2024 / 6:33 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

BIG LAKE, Minn. — Crews in Big Lake are working to clear an area in Big Lake after a BNSF train derailed early Saturday morning.

The train, which was carrying consumer goods, derailed around 3:15 a.m. According to the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office, 15 rail cars were affected, and the derailment is impacting BNSF's main lines.

WCCO

The sheriff's office says 172nd Street Northwest between 197th Avenue and County Road 14 is blocked. Crews are working on reopening affected roadway crossings.

"We heard the sirens going this morning at 3 a.m., woke me up," said Lynne Allen of Elk River. "I've never heard that many sirens go by the house."

"This is a small town. We don't have too much crazy things happening. So that's definitely a big deal," said Stephanie Bonin of Big Lake. She described the sound of the crash as "horrendous metal crunching."
No one was injured as a result of the derailment.

WCCO

 

[Nan Yang]

Freight Train Derails in Colorado, Injuring Two Crew Members​

BNSF Railway, the train’s operator, and the police did not say what caused the derailment in Boulder late on Thursday night.

Two Crew Members Injured After Train Derails in Colorado


A train operated by BNSF Railway derailed in Boulder, Colo., on Thursday night, injuring two crew members and spilling fuel, authorities said.CreditCredit...Denver7

By Christine Hauser
Aug. 23, 2024
A train derailed in Boulder, Colo., on Thursday night, injuring two crew members, damaging a rail bridge and causing a small fuel leak from one of the cars, the authorities said on Friday.

BNSF Railway, which operates freight railroad networks in North America, said the train derailed at about 11:13 p.m. on Thursday near Boulder Creek, spilling a “small amount” of fuel that did not affect the creek. The injured workers were treated at a hospital and released, it said, and crews were working on Friday to clear the area.

There was no threat to the public, the railway said. There was no further information about the freight on the train and its destination.

The Boulder Police Department said that roads were shut down for several hours but had reopened on Friday morning as crews worked to clean up and move the derailed cars. The train was about a mile long, it said.


The mishap took place near Boulder Community Health, a medical center in the city of about 105,000 people, which is home to the University of Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado.

BNSF said the train had “made contact” with nearby equipment, but the railway and the police gave no further details about what caused the derailment.

A rail bridge was destroyed, the police said.
Xcel Energy said that power was turned off to 64 customers for the safety of crews who were working to ensure that the removal of the train cars did not damage natural gas lines.

The police department initially stated that fuel from the engine had leaked into the creek, and later added that all the fuel was believed to have been absorbed by sand that had spilled out of one of the cars.

 

[sidkhan2]

China has successfully completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, measuring 22.5 kilometers (approximately 14 miles), which is now recognized as the world's longest high-speed railway tunnel. This significant engineering feat cuts through the Tianshan Mountainsand connects southern and northern Xinjiang.

Key Highlights of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel​

1. Construction and Benefits:
   • The tunnel dramatically reduces travel time across the mountainous region from several hours to just 20 minutes. This efficiency is expected to revolutionize regional connectivity, facilitating easier access between different parts of Xinjiang.
2. Economic Impact:
   • The completion of the tunnel is anticipated to spur economic growth in Xinjiang by improving transportation links, enhancing trade opportunities, and promoting tourism in the region. It is part of China's broader strategy to develop infrastructure in less accessible areas.
3. Future Operations:
   • The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is set to open for operations in 2025, further integrating Xinjiang into China's extensive high-speed rail network, which already boasts over 46,000 kilometers of operational high-speed rail lines.
4. Technological Advancements:
   • The construction of the tunnel showcases China's advanced engineering capabilities and commitment to expanding its high-speed rail infrastructure. It utilizes cutting-edge tunneling technology that allows for safe and efficient excavation through challenging geological conditions.
5. Strategic Importance:
   • This project not only enhances domestic travel but also plays a crucial role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving connectivity across Asia and beyond.

Conclusion​

The completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel marks a significant milestone in China's high-speed rail development, promising to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth in Xinjiang. As it prepares to open in 2025, this tunnel exemplifies China's ongoing investment in infrastructure and technological advancement in transportation.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1873662130886443413

 

[HaiderAfan]

China has unveiled the CR450 high-speed train prototype, achieving a remarkable test speed of 450 kilometers per hour. This new model is set to redefine high-speed rail travel and is designed to operate at an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, surpassing the previous generation, the CR400 Fuxing, which operates at 350 kilometers per hour.

Key Features and Performance Indicators​

1. Speed and Efficiency:
   • The CR450 prototype reached a test speed of 450 km/h, setting a new international benchmark for high-speed trains. It aims to enhance travel efficiency and connectivity across China, significantly reducing journey times for passengers.
2. Innovative Design:
   • The CR450 features advanced engineering, including a water-cooled permanent magnet traction system and a high-stability bogie system. These innovations contribute to improved performance, safety, and energy efficiency.
3. Enhanced Safety and Monitoring:
   • Equipped with over 4,000 sensors, the train can monitor critical systems in real-time, including fire detection and train control systems. An advanced multi-level emergency braking system further ensures passenger safety.
4. Operational Improvements:
   • The new model boasts a 22% reduction in overall operational resistance and a 10% reduction in weight compared to its predecessors. These enhancements contribute to better energy consumption and operational stability.
5. Passenger Experience:
   • The CR450 is designed with larger cabin spaces, accommodating items such as bicycles and wheelchairs. It also features aerodynamic designs to minimize air resistance, ensuring a quieter ride with reduced interior noise levels.
6. Future Prospects:
   • China Railway plans to conduct a series of line tests for the CR450 prototypes to optimize technical specifications before entering commercial service. The project reflects China's commitment to advancing its high-speed rail technology and expanding its global influence in rail transport.

Conclusion​

The introduction of the CR450 prototype marks a significant milestone in high-speed rail technology, showcasing China's engineering capabilities and ambition in the transportation sector. With its impressive speed and innovative features, the CR450 is poised to become a game-changer in domestic travel, enhancing connectivity and efficiency for millions of passengers across the country.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1873345490575904941