A VERTICAL SOLUTION TO
A RECURRING PROBLEM
The vertical railroad switch is a development project that Vertex is running in collaboration with a number of influential actors and technical experts. The large costs caused by snow clearance and delays make the need for a new generation of switches very urgent. The project is being run step by step with an interim goal of having a verified prototype ready by 2017.
The winter is one of the railroad’s worst enemies
In recent years, the interest in using railroad transport has not been as great as when it was first introduced in the 19th century. The railroad still represents a fundamental infrastructure component and binds society together. Reliable and lasting rail systems that allow efficient transport is therefore of great importance.
Snow and ice cost large amounts of money
Delays are even more expensive
The problem with conventional railroad switches
Market potential
Vertex vertical switch – a new solution to an old problem
Entrenched habits are hard to break. Most of the solutions and features around us are taken for granted.
We do not consider alternative solutions, even if the current ones are flawed.
A railroad switch can only be designed in one way – the way it has always been! However, Vertex has turned the concept on its head and is now presenting a vertical and fully functional switch that fully solves the constant problem caused by snow.
Project Plan – “The vertical railroad switch”.
The goal of the development project, which is run by consulting firm, ÅF, in collaboration with Chalmers as well as other actors, is to further develop the vertical concept into a complete and verified prototype. Testing the project in a real environment will take place during the next project phase.
At the request of the Swedish Transport Administration, Vertex has submitted an application for complete funding of the development project.