LIGHT RAIL RUNS DRY

Light rail offers a smoother, quieter and more efficient mode of public transport for Australian cities. With the increasing urban and rural development of light rail systems, water management in these spaces is a key consideration. In order to be effective, track installations must intercept and redirect the stormwater and not add any complications to the runoff and disposal. This prolongs the longterm durability of the rail track and reduces the damaging effects water runoff can have on adjacent buildings, roads and paths.

Linear drainage systems are the ideal solution and must be developed specifically for grooved rail and track slabs. All metal components (such as bolts and grates) must not be exposed to water currents, while the drain must stay in contact with the rail. Track drains must also be easily adaptable in order to comply with bespoke designs that match the surrounding environment and include easy access for maintenance. The grates must also be safe for heels and provide slip resistance.

Hydraulically, the drain needs to be large enough to deal with stormwater runoff and must have a sufficient number of outlets that connect to the stormwater piping network below. The drain must also comply with the track and road surfaces and must accommodate a compact slab depth.

With all of these requirements, it can be tough finding a drainage system that fits the bill. ACO’s TramDrain System is specifically designed to provide sufficient surface drainage to grooved rail and track slabs. This system is available in a range of sizes and can be easily customised to fit any light rail track.

The system features a rubber chute that removes the water runoff from the rail and is connected to the linear trench drain. The channel drain – manufactured from lightweight polymer concrete – picks up both the water from this chute and track runoff. Thanks to the material composition, fluids are able to flow at optimal speeds and ensures the channel is easier to clean as mould and plants are unable to grow.

Multiple TramDrain systems can be joined together across various track slab widths. The bolted grates are constructed from ductile iron, certified to AS 3996 Class D (210kN).

ACO’s TramDrain 175A was recently installed for Queensland’s Gold Coast Light Rail project, GoldLinQ. Compromising of 16 stations between the Gold Coast University Hospital at Southport and Broadbeach, the network is a world-class public transport system, expected to hold 50,000 to 75,000 passengers daily. The rail lies in a multi-use space that includes pedestrian and cycling zones. ACO was challenged to manage the surface water runoff throughout the spaces.

The TramDrain provided the ideal solution for the rail; designed to remove water from the tracks and surrounding areas the system ensures the area stays dry, thanks to the rubber chutes that drain the rail groove and can extend beyond the width of the track.

As an industry leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high performing drainage systems for rail lines, ACO knows what is crucial to providing a safe and reliable public transportation network.