Projects

Welded Rail Installed Between Anderson and Milton on the Madison Sub — Summer 2004

WSOR's welded rail train is seen here, approaching Anderson on the UP's Janesville Industrial Lead. Each rail is 1/4 mile long and will be unloaded from the end of the train. WSOR photo.

The clamps holding the rail sections are being removed by WSOR MOW crews. The rail is secured only in the middle of the train using heavy clamps that are bolted to the railcar. This keepd the long sections from shifting during transit. WSOR photo.

WSOR is always looking for ways to improve service to its customers. One way to do this is to provide service as economical as possible. As part of the WSOR 3-5-7 Plan, the trackage between Janesville and Milton, WI was upgraded to accommodate heavier cars and increase track speed. New ties, ballast, and new 115 lb (weight per yard of length) welded ribbon rail were installed. Continuously welded rail eliminates track joints, is easier to maintain, and provides a smoother quieter ride. It is commonly used in many areas today. There are less breaks which can happen at joint bars or in the rail where the holes are drilled to secure the joints. There is less pounding of the track infrastructure which prolongs track life.

The quarter-mile sections were manufactured at a plant in Colorado that produces "continuous welded rail" that has no joints or cracks. The new track replaces old sections of jointed stick rail that are only 39 feet long. The welded rail was transported to the site in a special train of flat cars.

One must remember that this section of track is used every day by the WSOR to get freight into and out of Milton Junction and beyond. At the end of each work day, the rail line must be put back in service to allow trains to pass through.

The rail extending from the rear of the train is held stationary using available machinery. On this day, WSOR crews are using a backhoe and a track crane. The track is attached to the anchor vehicles using cables and bolts. The rail is held in place while the train cars proceed slowly ahead allowing the rail to be pulled out of the cars and laid on the ground next to the existing rail. WSOR photo.


The new crossing at U.S. Highway 14 and Kennedy Road on the north side of Janesville. WSOR photo.






The crew must first prepare the track for the new rail. Because the new rail is heavier, new larger tie plates are required. The new plates were placed between the existing rails ahead of time, allowing them to be ready for installation. Next, the old stick rail is removed one side of the track at a time. The spike puller (lead vehicle) travels ahead of the crew pulling the spikes out of the wood ties.

The WSOR is dedicated to providing the very best service to its customers. Track improvements are necessary to deliver the level of service shippers demand today. Good rail infrastructure provides greater economic opportunity to many industries who must ship their goods by rail.