How Do Railroads Clear Snow?

How Do Railroads Clear Snow? When a winter storm hits, snowdrifts can blanket the tracks, posing a challenge for locomotives. Equipped with a plow at the front, locomotives can push some snow away. However, when the snow is too deep for the locomotive plow to manage, railroads employ a specialized snow removal equipment known as the rotary snowplow. The rotary snowplow features a large circular set of blades on its front end, designed to rotate and cut through the snow on the track ahead. Spinning rapidly, it efficiently scoops up the snow, hurling it off to the side, ensuring the tracks remain clear for train operations. Note: "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."