THE DESIGN OF LIGHT-RAIL TRACK IN PAVEMENT

Many existing light-rail transit (LRT) networks and parts of some new ones require the construction of track in pavement. Sometimes this track is intended for joint use with street traffic or buses; in other places paved track is used in pedestrian areas or on medians. This paper describes the types of LRT track used in pavement in North America and Europe and suggests that the standards now in use in the United States may be in need of revision. There has been very little construction of LRT track in pavement in North America in the last 40 years. What little has been built has followed the traditional standards of the industry, which date from the earliest streetcar days, and has generally used girder rail, ties, and ballast set in concrete pavement. By contrast, most European LRT systems have adopted a basically different type of track for use in pavement. It is built without conventional ties and is mechanically separated from the street pavement structure. Such track is quieter and may also be less costly; it appears to warrant serious consideration for new U.S. installations. /Author/