THE FAST TRACK APPROACH

This article concerns the development and use worldwide of concrete slab track in the rail industry. Advantages of this method of track construction include increased safety and reliability and reduced maintenance. Accurate track geometry can be achieved and rail breaks are rare and less likely to be catastrophic if they occur. Japan has developed a network of track built using a combination of slip-formed and precast concrete; and concrete track system is being tested in France and Germany (separate boxes describe these pilot projects), and in the Netherlands. The author proposes that concrete slabtrack can be used to build a world-class, fast, safe railway system in the UK.