Project plan “The vertical rail road 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 to a complete and verified prototype. Testing the project in a sharp environment will take place in the next project phase.

At the request of the Swedish Transport Administration, Vertex has submitted an application for complete funding of the development project.

2016/May – 2017/January

1. Planning
   Investigations, analyses and development of a specification that meets the provisions of the Swedish Transport Administration.
2. Verification
   Quality assurance of technical calculations, decisions on mechanics and choice of materials etc.

2017/January – 2017/December

1. Implementation
   Detailed construction and verification of the switch, procurement of parts and composition, and delivery of the prototype to the testing location.
2. Handover
   Delivery of a documented and verified prototype of the Vertex vertical switch.

Advantages for the Swedish Transport Administration and tax payers

A railroad network with switches that are completely resistant to cold weather and snow increases infrastructure reliability. It would also lead to a public benefit in the form of fewer disruptions and delays. Costs for maintenance, service and power supply would decrease considerably. The vertical switch also lasts longer.

Normally, the Swedish Transport Administration replaces 100-150 switches per year, and a transition to Vertex switches would thus take place at the same rate. However, analyses show that a higher rate would be beneficial due to the problems caused by snow.

Calculated cost-savings with Vertex switch

(if the 7,000 switches that are currently heated electrically were replaced with Vertex)

• Lowered cost of snow clearance from SEK 460 million to SEK 100 million per year
• Lowered power usage from 65 MW to 25 MW per year
• Reduced CO2 emissions (electricity production) with approximately 4 million kg per year
• Increased life-span from 30-35 to 60 years