UKTram shares light rail climate resilience expertise with Gothenburg researchers

UKTram has supported research into climate resilience on Gothenburg’s tramway network, sharing knowledge and best practice from across the UK light rail sector with a team working on behalf of Gothenburg Municipality.

Students Andrea Svensson, Ida Welén and Margarita Zouridis approached UKTram as part of a project exploring how tramway systems can adapt to the growing challenges presented by climate change, including extreme temperatures and flooding.

The team’s work for Gothenburg Municipality’s Street & Track unit involved reviewing current approaches and looking internationally at how tramway organisations are improving climate resilience, alongside emerging projects, technologies and innovations.

Their findings have since been compiled into a GAP analysis highlighting existing approaches, areas for development and potential solutions to strengthen the resilience of the tramway in the future.

As part of the research, the students met online with UKTram Lead Engineer Phill Terry to discuss experience from UK networks and the practical challenges operators and infrastructure managers are addressing.

Following the meeting, Phill shared material developed through UKTram’s Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG), including the findings of a previous best practice session dedicated to fleet and infrastructure resilience during high and adverse temperatures. He also highlighted how developments in remote and condition monitoring are continuing to change the way networks can understand and respond to environmental conditions.

The LREG document considers challenges affecting both vehicles and infrastructure, including air-conditioning performance during extreme heat, pantograph operation in icy conditions, track temperatures, overhead line equipment and the impact of extreme weather on staff.  

Remote temperature monitoring was among the approaches explored, helping operators anticipate when rising rail temperatures could require temporary speed restrictions or changes to service. The document also considers monitoring and maintenance of overhead line equipment during periods of extreme temperature.

Weather forecasting formed another part of the information shared.  Manchester Metrolink material demonstrates how site-specific and line-of-route forecasting can provide operators with regularly updated information on weather hazards, service planning and risk, supported by sensors and observations to improve and verify forecast accuracy.

Discussions also considered the increasing role of digital technology and remote monitoring, alongside the need to consider cybersecurity as operational technology and information technology systems become increasingly connected. Phill also highlighted sustainable drainage, rain gardens and green track as areas that could contribute to environmental resilience as rainfall patterns and temperatures change.

Reflecting on the completed project, Andrea thanked organisations and individuals who contributed knowledge and experience from tramway systems across Europe, describing climate resilience as a particularly current and important area for the sector. Phill said

“It was a great experience to be able to speak with Andrea, Ida and Margarita and share some of the learning developed through LREG, hopefully, some of it could be implemented in Gothenburg. Climate resilience is an increasingly important consideration for light rail and many of the challenges facing networks are being shared internationally."

UKTram is pleased to have supported the research and to see knowledge developed through its engineering groups contributing to conversations beyond the UK.