JUSTIFICATION AND SCOPE (1994)
a. Although snow fences have been used to protect railways in the U.S. since the 1870’s, the need for passive
snow control was diminished by the development of rotary snow plows and more powerful locomotives, and
by the increasing frequency of train traffic that helped to keep drifts from blocking tracks. In recent years,
however, the need for drift control on railroads has been renewed by technological advances. Remotely
controlled switches must be free of snow and ice, and thermal scanners are subject to dysfunction when
snow or ice accumulates in the optical path. In addition, the increasing costs of derailments adds incentive
for drift protection.
b. The methods for preventing or mitigating drifting snow problems discussed here are 1) elevating the road
bed above grade, 2) widening cuts to allow the wind to keep tracks blown clear and to provide space for snow
to accumulate without encroaching on the tracks, 3) clearing and mowing vegetation along the roadway, 4)
placement of bungalows and other structures to prevent the drifts formed by these structures from affecting
operations, 5) plowing snow ridges or berms, 6) erecting snow fences, and 7) planting trees and shrubs.