Canadian transit authority to use composite switch ties
Canadian Plastics
Canadian PlasticsThe Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has invested in specialty engineered composite railroad switch ties. The publi...
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has invested in specialty engineered composite railroad switch ties. The public transit authority has placed an initial purchase order with N.J.-based Axion International.
According to the company, its products last longer than conventional creosote treated wooden ties — perhaps longer than 50 years. The composite material offers significant cost savings on maintenance and product replacement, and freedom from such factors as biological attacks and moisture.
In conjunction with Rutgers University, the company has developed a technology that utilizes nearly 100 per cent recycled plastic. The products also address worldwide concerns of deforestation and renewed focus on recycling and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
“While this will be the first switch set order produced by Axion, our technology has previously been tested by the TTC in their subway system,” said Axion International CEO Jim Kerstein. “The Railway Tie Association data indicates the major North American railroads purchase between 18 to 20,000,000 crossties annually.”
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