For two weeks the strikes have disrupted French life and the country's economy, causing trains to be cancelled and schools and petrol stations to close.
Workers for the railroad started cutting the trees down in mid-August, as part of plans to install a security fence, and in an effort to keep leaves from falling onto the tracks and causing trains to skid.
In Manchester, there was huge frustration among travellers after one of the country's busiest stations was closed for three hours, causing trains to be cancelled and long delays for travellers.
However they were made of 11 different types, causing training and conversion problems.
Because part of the Bergen Line had frost heave, trains were forced to drive extra slowly, causing trains to get stuck.
Filched cables have reportedly caused train delays and stalled repairs to telecoms networks.
Members of a team from Baruch College Campus High, a public school in New York City, drew inspiration from their daily subway commutes, when piled-up trash on the tracks caused train delays.
Large side forces worsen the wear of the wheel and rail, and may cause train derailment, or even overturning.
