Salix Rail Solutions: Shaping NZ & Australia’s Sustainable Rail Future

Salix Paves the Way for Quieter, More Sustainable Rail with Innovative Track Solutions

In an era of rapid urban development and increased environmental awareness, the railway industry is under pressure to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Salix, a leading provider of comprehensive rail product solutions, is answering this call. With a track record of supporting major tunnel projects across Australia and internationally, Salix is not only providing innovative products, but also acting as an engineering partner, guiding complex solutions from design through to delivery. This article explores Salix’s contributions to projects like Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) and Brisbane’s Cross River Rail (CRR), highlighting their innovative approach to Low Vibration Track (LVT) systems, and their impact on the future of rail infrastructure. We will delve into who Salix is, what they do, when and where they operate, why their products are essential, and how they are revolutionizing railway construction.

Acoustic Innovation: Low Vibration Track (LVT) Technology

At the heart of Salix’s success is its partnership with Sonneville, and the integration of Low Vibration Track (LVT) systems. LVT systems are designed to mitigate noise and vibration generated by train operations, a critical factor in urban environments, near sensitive infrastructure like hospitals, or in areas with heritage structures. These systems typically comprise a concrete block, a resilient pad, and a rubber boot, all encased in surrounding concrete. This mass-spring system absorbs and disperses train-generated vibration, reducing impacts on nearby buildings and improving ride comfort for passengers. Key examples include the CRL project in Auckland, New Zealand, where approximately 65,000 LVT mainline blocks were utilized, including over 10,000 blocks at Britomart Station alone. This technology is not just a product, but a solution that enhances the quality of life for communities near railway lines.

Collaborative Engineering: The Salix-Sonneville Partnership

The success of Salix is also attributed to its collaborative partnership with Sonneville. This relationship, which began on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project, showcases the strength of shared expertise. Through this partnership, Salix, as the exclusive partner of Sonneville for Australia and New Zealand, leverages Sonneville’s global expertise and proven track record, whilst injecting its local engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This approach ensures that projects benefit from cutting-edge technology while also meeting local requirements and standards. This collaborative model reduces project risks, speeds up project delivery times, and also allows for adaptability in projects, with diverse rail environments. The integration of locally manufactured components, as well as globally proven products, ensures versatile solutions for the rail infrastructure.

Local Manufacturing and Cost Efficiency

A key strategic advantage for Salix is its ability to manufacture the LVT blocks in Australia. This localized approach brings several benefits, including reduced transportation costs, greater certainty in delivery schedules, and enhanced quality control. By establishing manufacturing facilities near project sites, Salix minimizes logistical challenges and offers cost savings that can be passed on to clients. This localized approach is not only economically sensible, but also environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This agility allows Salix to adapt to specific project requirements, whether it be on mainlines, bridges, metro or high-speed lines, and provide tailored solutions for each project.

Design Versatility and Long-Term Value

The Sonneville LVT system offers exceptional design flexibility. Its adaptable design allows for a variety of fastening configurations, accommodating diverse project specifications and client preferences. LVT is particularly well-suited for turnout applications, offering elastically-mounted blocks for enhanced flexibility. The LVT system has a solid track record around the world for metro, freight, light rail and high-speed projects. The advantages of LVT extend beyond initial construction. The system’s durability and maintenance-free operation, along with the high industrial prefabrication of the LVT, translates into long-term cost benefits for clients. According to Sonneville, the ‘top-down’ installation method ensures high-quality manufacturing and fast installation rates, contributing to precise track geometry and maintenance-free operations.

Conclusion

Salix’s success in projects like the City Rail Link and Cross River Rail demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for the railway industry. Their approach of delivering globally proven technology with local manufacturing capabilities enables them to provide a faster and more efficient railway building process. As cities continue to grow and infrastructure needs expand, the demand for solutions that minimize environmental impact while improving ride comfort will only increase. Salix is strategically positioned to meet this demand. With a growing project portfolio and a focus on collaboration and innovation, Salix is setting new standards for track infrastructure supply. Their commitment to local manufacturing and client collaboration further strengthens their position, and positions Salix to play a leading role in shaping the future of rail infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand and beyond, track by track, tunnel by tunnel.