"Virginia-based Norfolk Southern operates freight trains in more than 20 states in the Southern and Eastern United States. Several Amtrak routes also use Norfolk Southern's tracks for passenger trains."
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I wonder how many Amtrak routes could be affected?
Richard
palmland Member # 4344
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Richard, I suspect the ties will be replaced long before it afffects Amtrak. Probably done as a part of regular track program over the next few years.
On my recent Palmetto trip I was surprised at how many new concrete ties I saw installed in new trackwork. Maybe they’re back in favor now after having some serious quality/durability issues in years past.
George Harris Member # 2077
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Palmetto runs on CSX. CSX has installed concrete ties in quite a few lines over the last several years. Conversely, don't know if it is still true, but NS has stuck entirely with wood.
The usual practice with tie replacement is to replace only those at or near failure before the number reaches that which would require a slow order. Thus, if the new ties quickly go to failure chances are that enough of those that were left in track will still be good enough to avoid the need for a slow order. It is just that there will be a need to double up on tie replacement for the next few years.
I don't know how anyone thought they could get away with this sort of stuff. This is very basic. Since this is a major componenet of the maintenance budget a lot of attention is given to the condition of the ties as purchased.I would suspect there were some people not at the top made this sort of idiotic decision. I would suspect that the wood company will be do some serious looking for the guilty and housecleaning. We may see some going for a stay in the graybar hotel.
Don't knnow if it is still true, but generally concrete ties were only installed "out of face", that is, where all ties in a section were replaced, as opposed to the usual, where only those that have failed or are near failure are replaced, so if you see concrete ties chances are you will probably see several miles of them.
Good quality wood ties should last around 30 years. Southern did a 30 year study on variations in treatment and found ways to do better, to what extent I do not know. The general objective is to get wood treated to the point that it will wear out before it rots out, and in straight track that is a very long time.
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