LTA and SMRT detail steps to prevent rail cracks
02 Jun 2013|2,362 views
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT yesterday detailed a series of measures to detect and prevent rail cracks on the MRT network, in response to several cracks found in recent weeks.
SMRT will thus focus on curved tracks along the North-South and East-West Lines. In all, 246 joints will undergo extensive ultrasonic tests and checks.
SMRT Senior Vice President for Engineering and Maintenance Lee Ling Wee said that checks will also be intensified on track components such as bolts and base plates.
The operator had called for a complete overhaul of the ageing MRT system on Friday. Yesterday, Mr Lee said SMRT will replace worn out rails earlier as an added precaution. "Currently, SMRT replaces rails that are worn down by 14mm. This threshold has been raised to 12mm," he said.
Mr Chua also added that the LTA would conduct audits of SMRT's maintenance regime every two weeks, down from once a month.
"An international trackwork specialist will also be engaged by next week to assess the rail system and advise if the rail maintenance regime needs to be changed," he said.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT yesterday detailed a series of measures to detect and prevent rail cracks on the MRT network, in response to several cracks found in recent weeks.
At a media briefing to address the occurrences of rail cracks, LTA Deputy Chief Executive Chua Chong Kheng said the common factor was that all incidents happened at curved tracks.
SMRT will thus focus on curved tracks along the North-South and East-West Lines. In all, 246 joints will undergo extensive ultrasonic tests and checks.
SMRT Senior Vice President for Engineering and Maintenance Lee Ling Wee said that checks will also be intensified on track components such as bolts and base plates.
The operator had called for a complete overhaul of the ageing MRT system on Friday. Yesterday, Mr Lee said SMRT will replace worn out rails earlier as an added precaution. "Currently, SMRT replaces rails that are worn down by 14mm. This threshold has been raised to 12mm," he said.
Mr Chua also added that the LTA would conduct audits of SMRT's maintenance regime every two weeks, down from once a month.
"An international trackwork specialist will also be engaged by next week to assess the rail system and advise if the rail maintenance regime needs to be changed," he said.
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