Hochgeschwindigkeitsstrecken im internationalen vergleich

The different routing elements that characterise the new high-speed railway lines currently in operation in Europe and Japan were determined with reference to type of operation, speed, topography and permanent way type, based on previous experience with existing networks at home and abroad. For instance, if the lines carry freight traffic (mixed operation), this places limits on gradients and (especially with ballast track) low superelevation, together with large curve radii. In difficult terrain, using slab track - given the high superelevation it allows, together with the high permissible cant deficiency and thus smaller radii - can mean fewer tunnels and major bridges, and thus lower construction costs.