The research project, commissioned by the CSA Group and conducted by CIMA+, examines how climate change is expected to impact railway electrification infrastructure (REI) in the future and how standards can support asset resilience. The study had four objectives and the first one was to assess current and future climate change impacts on key electrified rail components, including overhead catenary systems, traction power supply substations, signals and communications, and grounding and bonding by considering hazards such as extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, freezing rain and ice, wildfires, permafrost thaw, high winds and other extreme weather events. It also aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of critical REI systems to these climate stressors, with particular attention to high-risk assets and regions across Canada, review existing railway electrification standards to assess their adequacy in addressing climate-related challenges and identify key gaps, and develop evidence-based recommendations to be considered for update or establishment of standards that support a more climate-resilient railway electrification network.
The study leveraged literature reviews, climate data analysis and stakeholder interviews with utilities, transit agencies, manufacturers andacademia to understand vulnerabilities and adaptation readiness. Findings highlight that current standards largely rely on historical deterministic climate data and do not adequately account for future conditions, creating risks for long-term infrastructure performance.
CIMA+ led the technical work, including vulnerability assessments, standards analysis, and the development of forward-looking, climate-resilient recommendations. This included supporting the integration of climate projections, risk-based design approaches and improved guidance for resilient railway electrification systems across Canada.