We’re glad you asked! As a (very) proud Canadian Crown corporation, we understand and appreciate the fluctuations of the Canadian weather system. Canadian winters can be extreme, with plummeting temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice accumulation.
The short answer is yes, we are preparing for true Canadian winters, and we are designing our network to meet (and exceed) the highest standards of rail safety in Canada. Our research and planning will leverage winter-readiness and best practices from around the world, and our system will be equipped with leading technologies to ensure we operate safely in harsh weather conditions.
Here are a couple key considerations when it comes to winter operations and rail safety:
Keeping tracks clear from snow
At Alto, we love the snow as much as any Canadian, but the one place we don’t want it to accumulate is on our tracks. There are several tried-and-tested methods of keeping tracks clean, including mechanical snow removal systems coupled with anti-icing preventative measures. In simple terms that means specially designed snowplows equipped with blowers as well as treatments that help prevent ice from forming.
Rail switches, where trains move from one track to another, also require special attention. A range of solutions can be used to keep them clear, including thermal blowers and compressed air technology.
Protecting our power
Our trains will be 100% electric and will receive electricity through a catenary system, which is an overhead set of wires that deliver power to the trains. This system must also remain free and clear of ice and snow build-up and requires a different set of mitigation measures that can range from heated wires to special pads that gently clear the wires of frost and ice without causing damage.
Our goal is to ensure train operations remain as smooth, safe and reliable as possible in winter, and in any weather Canada brings.
To learn about our how our high-speed rail network will be designed for winter conditions, read our winter operations and readiness blog.