KOPER–DIVAČA, SLOVENIA

RHEDA 2000® for One of Europe’s Most Complex Railway Lines

For the new 27 km Divača–Koper railway line in Slovenia, RAILONE supported the implementation of the RHEDA 2000® ballastless track system and provided technical development and planning services throughout the construction phase from 2019 to 2026.

The line runs through challenging karst terrain and includes several major engineering structures, including numerous tunnels and three large viaducts. At approximately 7 km, the longest tunnel is also the longest railway tunnel in the country. This makes the project one of the most technically complex infrastructure projects in Slovenia’s history.

The RHEDA 2000® ballastless track system was selected for the majority of the line. The system is particularly suitable for applications of this kind, as there is no need to change the track system between earthworks, tunnels and bridge sections.

The optimal combination of precast components, in the form of bi-block sleepers, and cast-in-place concrete construction enables high construction quality while allowing flexible adaptation to local site conditions and keeping installation costs low. RHEDA 2000® also enabled the transitions between ballastless and ballasted track to be implemented efficiently and reliably.

RAILONE additionally supported the project by preparing the detailed design for the ballastless track, providing technical consultancy and developing project-specific installation guidelines in close cooperation with the customer. Proven German and European standards were adapted to meet local requirements. Thanks to RAILONE’s international production network, components can be supplied worldwide and on schedule, an important factor in the successful implementation of this major project.

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PROJECT DETAILS

  • Route length: 27 km of single-track railway, approximately 23 km of which uses ballastless track

  • Speed: 160 km/h

  • Project period: 2019 to 2026, with a test run in March 2026

  • Solution supplied: RHEDA 2000® ballastless track system

  • Engineering services: Preparation of detailed design for the ballastless track, technical support and development of project-specific installation guidelines in cooperation with the customer

  • Special features: Highly complex route with numerous engineering structures, including tunnels and viaducts; sections with increased noise and vibration protection requirements designed as mass-spring systems; optimised transitions between ballastless and ballasted track