ROSS: FAST ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES IN TUNNELS
The RAILONE ROSS safety system creates a level, load-bearing surface flush with the top of the rails, providing emergency vehicles with fast and safe access to hard-to-reach sections of the line. The precast concrete elements can be installed without additional fixings and adjusted in height for use with virtually any track system. The result is a flexible access solution that combines enhanced safety with efficient installation.
Ballast flight is one of the key challenges in high-speed rail operations, particularly at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. It occurs when aerodynamic turbulence beneath a train lifts ballast particles from the track bed, creating a significant safety risk.
Developed by ADIF in cooperation with other leading industry stakeholders, the aerodynamic sleeper was designed to minimise this risk through an optimised airflow concept while simultaneously improving ride quality and operational safety in high-speed rail applications. The sleeper’s rounded central geometry promotes a more uniform airflow beneath the train, significantly reducing ballast flight. This enables higher operating speeds while enhancing safety.
In close cooperation with ADIF, RAILONE’s Spanish subsidiary TRAVIPOS received approval to manufacture the aerodynamic sleeper. The modified design is listed in ADIF’s register of approved products, enabling series production of the sleeper.
High levels of safety and reliability thanks to industrially manufactured precast concrete components with consistently high quality standards. The system remains securely in position even in high-speed applications, without requiring additional vertical restraints.
Fast and cost-effective installation using standard track construction equipment, such as road-rail excavators. The system is suitable for both new tunnel construction and refurbishment projects carried out during ongoing mixed traffic operations.
Flexible use in a wide range of tunnel concepts, including evacuation scenarios involving road-based emergency vehicles such as fire engines.
No modifications to the existing tunnel infrastructure are required, as neither the drainage system nor the earthing concept needs to be adapted or extended.
Simple maintenance and servicing, as the system can be lifted and removed at any time, for example to facilitate track inspections.
Application | Tunnel with ballastless track, RHEDA 2000® |
System type | RHEDA family with B 355 bi-block sleepers embedded in cast-in-place concrete |
Axle load (for rescue vehicles) | 10 t |
Authorizations (EBA/local authorizations) | EBA approved |
System width | 3.40 m, standard new-build tunnel |
System height | for rail 60E… |
