On 21-22 October, one of the key events for Poland’s rail infrastructure sector – the IGKM Track Commission – took place in Warsaw. The meeting focused on “Tramway Engineering Structures – Design, Construction and Maintenance”. As part of the programme, MMR Group TransComfort delivered a presentation entitled “Modernisation of the track on the Estakada Pomorska [Pomeranian Overpass] in Szczecin: modern technologies addressing current and future challenges”.
Technical Sales Advisor Szymon Bukowski presented the modernisation of the tram track on the Estakada Pomorska [Pomeranian Overpass] in Szczecin, where MMR Group TransComfort supplied the TPS rail fastening system and a white RCS rail profile specially designed for the project.
The use of TPS rail fastenings enabled the top-down construction method, significantly streamlining the construction process while allowing the track structure to be optimised and made lighter, thereby reducing the load on the overpass as a whole. Well-selected track solutions can affect not only the track superstructure itself, but also the structure of the engineering asset as a whole.
In addition, white rail profiles were used in Szczecin for the first time. Like the traditional black profiles supplied by MMR Group TransComfort, they reduce noise generated by passing trams. Their additional advantage is that they help limit rail heating caused by solar radiation.
With climate change and heatwaves becoming increasingly frequent, rail temperature is an important challenge for tramway infrastructure. A light-coloured profile absorbs less solar radiation, helping to keep the rail cooler and reduce the risk of rail buckling. This is particularly important on structures such as overpasses, where the track is exposed to direct sunlight for many hours.
The reconstruction of the tram track on the Estakada Pomorska [Pomeranian Overpass] demonstrates that modernising tramway infrastructure requires a broader perspective than simply replacing the track superstructure. A holistic approach to the entire structure is essential, taking into account loads, changing weather conditions, track geometry, dynamic effects and maintenance requirements.
We would like to thank the organisers of the IGKM Track Commission for another valuable technical meeting and for the opportunity to present a comprehensive approach to the modernisation of tramway track infrastructure.
Contact:
Szymon Bukowski, Technical Sales Advisor
