Regional railroad engineer Mark Taylor explains that while highway travelers often dread snow and ice, winter weather doesn’t really impact the movement of trains across the Ohio Valley.
Since many railroad tunnels are built to accommodate a single train, they are far more narrow than highway tunnels used for passenger vehicles. This enclosed space makes for a very interesting view when traveling through them at night.
While snow and ice cause headaches for most modes of transportation — including highway, air and water — railroad engineers responsible for the safe movement of freight across the nation generally take it in stride. Experts in the field say rain and leaves cause more of a problem for trains than snow does, sometimes causing the wheels to slip on the engine — a problem fought with sand for traction. Ice storms, however, can cause trouble when resulting in downed trees and power lines. One thing is for certain, blankets of snow make for a drastic change of scenery along the well-worn tracks and tunnels.
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