KCS says MOW crews keep operations safe in challenging spring weather

Kansas City Southern (KCS) says that frequent storms, rain and high water have created a number of challenges on its network this spring. The most significant of these are trees with roots saturated due to heavy rain, falling onto the tracks; power outages affecting signal equipment and grade crossing warning devices; track washouts and driftwood from high water gathering around bridges.

Tracks in affected areas are being inspected around the clock and KCS says, through it all, the maintenance-of-way team has responded and continues to respond quickly, working long days and nights, to keep the operation fluid and people safe.

KCS Assistant Vice President Engineering Buck Jones explained that approximately 750 trees have been cleared from the tracks; about 850 signal locations were inspected for damage or loss of commercial power and around 37 locations were equipped with generators that had to be kept fueled until power was restored.

“We continue to invest in capital projects that keep maintenance in a regular and healthy cycle and enhance the safety of our operation,” said Jones. “These investments ensure we have well-maintained infrastructure, so when weather situations arise, we can focus on quickly responding to any potential safety issues and/or restoring the operation. I want to thank the engineering team and the maintenance-of-way crews for their ongoing contributions to keep our operation safe.”