January 2011 in Network Rail and Suppliers Trees overhanging the
line in Scotland are a concern for one reporter. It has been
noted that large trees overhang the line between Dunkeld &
Birnam station and Inverness, creating a tunnel effect in some
areas. It is felt by the reporter that Network Rail have done
very little to address the issue, even since a train struck a
tree in the area on 7 September. The reporter would like to see
the affecting trees in the area removed before snowfall
increases the risk of trees/branches fouling the line. Please
comment. The tree that was struck in the Dunkeld area had come
from beyond Network Rail's boundary. On the day in question our
Lineside Engineer attended on site and identified other trees
that were at risk and subsequently these have been removed.
Network Rail has commissioned a national lineside survey that is
surveying all trees within and beyond our boundaries. This
survey ranks all trees deemed to be at risk and then these are
removed within a defined timescale