NJ TRANSIT has started preparations for dealing with winter weather by stocking up on supplies and equipment across the state. The agency is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position for the coming winter.
"We can’t predict what kind of winter season we will have, but I can say with confidence that NJ TRANSIT will be as ready as we can be," said Steven H. Santoro, executive director of NJ TRANSIT. "The safety of our customers and employees is always the top priority as we work to keep our transportation system moving during the winter weather season."
The following steps have been taken to prepare for inclement weather in the rail operations sector, according to Santoro:
- hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend;
- the maintenance program includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals;
- two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. All locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails;
- 20,000 pounds of salt are on hand and the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed;
- the tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical; system. Personnel are on standby to respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains;
- all rail stations are equipped with heaters that have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order; and
- all public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.