MAINTENANCE-SAVING TRACK

With higher traffic volume and faster trains, the time intervals available for track maintenance have decreased. Soaring costs and manpower shortages have restricted the amount of manual maintenance that is possible and have aggravated the deterioration of track. To resolve this problem, Japanese National Railways has put in service new track maintenance equipment and developed track structures which reduce maintenance requirements. Details of concrete slab track, track with asphalt-filled ballast and paved track are described. A special fastener for conventional track on bridges is also described.