Recent government
and social demands for alternative ground transportation linking
major regions in the United States signal a return to passenger
rail travel similar to the systems now operating in Europe and Japan.
Across the United States, regional high-speed corridors in 28 states
are being planned and developed.
Years of redevelopment within the Northeast Corridor of the U.S.
have proven the validity of rail passenger service with speeds reaching
150 mph. There exists a need for an economical alternate form of
transportation supplanting highway and air travel in heavily congested
corridors.
Government
initiatives, both federal and state, are legislatively and financially
supportive of expanding existing freight rail networks to include
high speed passenger service. In fact, there are regional high-speed
corridors being planned and developed in 28 states. But, unlike
foreign high speed rail networks that operate on dedicated rail
rights-of-way, U.S. programs within eleven designated corridors
seek to occupy the same rails as freight carriers. This requires
a superior trackbed to maintain the geometry of the track and smoothness
of ride.
Concrete ties were used throughout the reconstruction of the Northeast
Corridor. They are currently in use among many of the nations railroads,
and this product will continue to provide in-service reliability.
However, as demands for greater speed increases and axle loads become
heavier and more frequent, a stronger and more stable trackbed is
warranted.
Industry research is pointing to the use of concrete roadbeds in
various configurations to meet the specifications for durability,
ease of maintenance, and rideability. Known as slab track, the transition
from traditional ties and ballast systems to concrete trackway will
likely take place in this century.