---
title: A low carbon new generation ballastless track
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/a-low-carbon-new-generation-ballastless-track/"
type: post
date_published: 2022-09-13
date_modified: 2025-09-30
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 441
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/a-low-carbon-new-generation-ballastless-track/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/stradal2.jpg"
categories:
  - Non classé
  - Non classé
---

# A low carbon new generation ballastless track

![A low carbon new generation ballastless track](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/stradal2.jpg)

Many national or regional railway lines must be regenerated or renewed
throughout Europe, but also more generally worldwide, in order to maintain their
operational performance. These operations require significant investment from
transport authorities and infrastructure managers. Several technical solutions
are available to them: ballasted tracks, which make up the bulk of current rail
networks, and conventional ballastless track techniques.

To meet this need, as well as the need to build new lines, while taking into
consideration environmental issues, SYSTRA and STRADAL have co-developed a new
generation of patented low carbon concrete ballastless track, Slab Track. This
innovative solution, which is manufactured in France and unique in the world,
offers numerous advantages in terms of design, installation, and maintenance. It
offers a more advantageous financial profile than the technical solutions
available on the market.

## An innovative and sustainable design

Slab Track is designed for all railway lines, including high-speed lines,
whether for passenger (High-speed/Regional/Intercity/Metro/Suburban) or freight
transport.

![image4](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image4-1024x359.png)

It is the only ballastless track designed with a fully prefabricated low carbon
reinforced concrete structure, with low environmental impact. Its track width is
reduced (2.5 metres compared to 4 metres for a ballasted track) and no platform
renovation is required prior to track installation.

In addition, the track geometry adjustment system, integrated into the
structure, can compensate for track bed settlements of up to 100 millimetres.
Conventional slab track technologies do not have this feature.

Slab Track is also a climate resilient and environmentally friendly solution.
The 10-centimetre elevation of the track above the track bed allows water to
pass through in the event of flooding, limits silting up of the tracks and
allows the passage of small wildlife. Finally, Slab Track has the same
permeability as a ballasted track, which avoids resizing existing hydraulic
structures.

## Easy and economical installation, reduced maintenance

Slab Track does not require any slab sealant and can be laid using existing
equipment, including gantry cranes used in ballastless track laying and
construction equipment, thus optimising the installation schedule and reducing
energy consumption. The fastening systems and rails are those commonly used in
ballastless track.

![image1-1](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image1-1-1024x569.jpg)

Slab Track requires very little maintenance compared to ballastless track, which
ensures high track availability for operators. The track condition is monitored
by sensors and connected objects.

Finally, this innovative ballastless track solution is particularly recommended
for railway lines with high operating costs and for infrastructure managers
experiencing difficulties with existing ballastless track systems.

[download the press release](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pr-systra-stradal_13092022.pdf)

**Categories:** Non classé, Non classé