The Mittlere Glattal has a population of about 150,000 and provides work for 125,000 people. It is situated north of Zurich and is Switzerland’s fourth largest urban area.  The Glattalbahn rapid transit system opens up the Glattal and links five urban areas to the airport and Zurich. It was very important for Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal (VBG) to ensure that environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions were used in the construction of the new track. Basler & Hofmann therefore set out to produce a bespoke track using innovative technology.

Glattalbahn rapid transit system to comply with a wide range of requirements

The Glattalbahn rapid transit system is integrated into the urban infrastructure and must comply with a wide range of requirements. Buses share many parts of the route. The high-tech businesses situated nearby need a line that produces the least amount of vibration possible. Local residents want the railway to be as quiet as possible. Varying local conditions mean that five different types of track are being used.

The Green Track

The specially developed “Green Track” is an environmentally friendly type of track. This is a track with a green gravel surface. This creates a green “carpet” effect in an urban setting, giving the track the appearance of an avenue, which is also very quiet. Its structure ensures that the ground remains porous so that rain water can seep through.

Slab track on bridges

A slab track is being built along two viaducts which form part of the route. This is a particularly technically challenging solution. With a slab track the track is not laid in gravel but is firmly attached to the track supporting slab. This type of track has a particularly long lifespan and requires little maintenance. Changes in temperature mean that the bridge will distort slightly, but the track will remain rigid and will not be affected by such movement. What adjustments are needed to ensure that the track can still be comfortably navigated? Engineers have been working on bespoke solutions in order to facilitate this. 

Client:

VBG Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal AG

Services provided by Basler & Hofmann:

The general design of the track superstructure, environmental remediation, design and construction management for Stettbach tram station

Pictures: Oli Rust