MetroLink Railroad Tie Replacement Underway
Metro has been doing a lot of late night maintenance on the MetroLink light rail system.
Not all of the ties are being replaced, just those needing replacement were tagged. I’ve passed by the equipment that replaces the a tie from under the rails, but I’ve never seen it in operation.
Newer sections of our MetroLink system was built with more costly concrete ties, so they’ll not need this maintenance. The original MetroLink line opened in 1993.
— Steve Patterson
why don’t they just replace them all with concrete doesn’t it last much longer?
My guess is the concrete ones can’t be installed under existing rails like wood ties can.
My guess is that it’s a budget issue – wood is cheaper than concrete . . .
Metro will just ask for yet another tax increase next year.
then that would take removing a whole stretch of rail which would alter service but if its worth it could be done on a weekend between to stations if they plan it right
Not really – wood and concrete ties are interchangeable, both being about the same size / cross-section, and both relying on the rock ballast under them to provide a stable, level base. Where they differ is in how the rail is secured to the tie – spikes (wood) versus metal clips (concrete) – price, durability and flexibility – wood offers infinite options whereas concrete is very precise and consistent (which is why wood ties are used at switches on otherwise all-concrete-tie lines).
Yes, tie replacement requires limiting / disrupting scheduled service. No, tie replacement does not require removing the rail first – ties are removed and replaced from the side.