German Unity Transport Project 8

The principle behind slab track

With a slab track, the conventional ballast bed is replaced with a fixed track-supporting system. This extends the life of the track and permits faster speeds. A total of 196 km of slab track is being laid on the new 8.1 line from Ebensfeld to Erfurt.

Illustration SEQ Illustration \* ARABIC 1 Ballastless track: Typical cross-section on an embankment with a track superstructure and catenary system (Graphic: Max Bögl Group)