THE EVOLUTION OF WASHINGTON METRO'S TRACK STANDARDS

In 1969 the opportunity to design the construction of a completely new transit track system using the latest technology occurred with the decision to construct the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metro system. The system offered the track designer a wide spectrum of challenges. The 101 route miles of double track system included underground structures of several types, at-grade track, and several extensive aerial structures. In the 15 years since the first phase of Metro track was designed, many of the design features have evolved from their original concept to significantly different concepts as a result of construction problems, maintenance problems, and new developments. Presented here are brief descriptions of these evolutions with respect to direct fixation track including grout pads, anchorage systems and the fasteners themselves, rail, rail welding, ballasted track tight radius curves, and special trackwork designs including inserts and methods of support.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1985/1006/1006-006.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=THE+EVOLUTION+OF+WASHINGTON+METRO%27S+TRACK+STANDARDS&author=A.+Keffler&publication_year=1985
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/12263238
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Track Structure System Design. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Keffler, Arthur J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 38-45
• Monograph Title: Track design and construction
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1006
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Continuous welded rail; Maintenance of way; Rail fasteners; Rail line extensions; Rail transit facilities; Railroad tracks; Specifications; Standardization; Standards
• Identifier Terms: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
• Old TRIS Terms: Direct fixation; Track standards; Track structures
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00454966
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309038162
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jul 31 1988 12:00AM