TSB points to inadequate track conditions as reason for Faust, Alberta derailment

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Ballast and rail anchoring conditions leading up to the derailment site.
TSB

In its investigation report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that inadequate track conditions led to the June 2014 derailment of a Canadian National freight train near Faust, Alberta, Canada.

 

The 126-car train was carrying crude oil on 20 cars and 17 contained diesel fuel residue. The derailment happened on the Slave Lake Subdivion did not result in a release of product, no injuries occurred, but approximately 1,200 feet of track was damaged.

The investigation determined that the derailment occurred when the track shifted laterally under the passing train due to irregular and insufficient rail anchoring, unstable subgrade and a build-up of stress in the rail generated by the train descending the grade. The investigation also highlighted that the stress had likely accumulated in the track due to repeated exposure to braking forces from previous eastbound trains on the long descending grade.

Following the July 2013 accident in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, the TSB issued a recommendation pertaining to the need for the railways to do better planning and on-going risk assessments for the movement of dangerous goods. Subsequent to the recommendation, Transport Canada issued emergency directives with respect to the Rail Transportation of Dangerous Goods, which defined “Key Train” and “Key Route.” The response to this recommendation is currently rated as satisfactory intent.

Since 2013, there had been a significant increase in traffic levels over the Westlock and Slave Lake Subdivisions. The Slave Lake and Westlock Subdivisions met the criteria established for Key Route and in this occurrence; train 418 met the criteria for a Key Train.

During spring/summer 2014, there were six derailments in the area, including this occurrence, all of which involved track-related failures. With the significant traffic increase on this corridor since 2013, in advance of the recommended infrastructure improvements, the condition of the track could not handle the increased traffic. If the impact of increased traffic levels on track infrastructure is not adequately assessed or mitigated, the risk of derailments will increase, the TSB notes.

After the June 2014 derailment, CN performed a risk assessment for the Edmonton-Hay River Corridor, which includes the Slave Lake Subdivision. The number of ultrasonic and geometry testing programs were increased and two new hot box detectors were added to the Slave Lake Subdivision.

 

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