Heavy-axle-load Revenue Service Mega Site Testing 2005-2012

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have jointly funded a heavy-axle-load (HAL) revenue service testing program since 2005. The program has several objectives. One objective is to determine the effects of HAL traffic on track infrastructure by supplementing test activities that are performed at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) with a wide range of track, operation and climate conditions. A second objective is to identify potential issues that negatively affect HAL operations and a third objective is to test and monitor new and alternative track designs and materials. The article also presents improved track maintenance procedures that are intended to mitigate adverse effects of HAL track on track degradation of two revenue service mega sites. One mega site is in Bluefield, West Virginia and the other one is in Ogallala, Nebraska.