Less track downtime, lower maintenance effort and extended turnout service life. These are the key benefits of the new crossing solutions PITSTOP and IMPACT, which voestalpine Railway Systems will present for the first time at InnoTrans 2026.
PITSTOP: More Availability Through Targeted Renewal
Minimized track possession times instead of complex full replacements. PITSTOP enables the targeted renewal of the wear-critical wheel transfer area without replacing the entire crossing. As a result, maintenance activities can be completed much faster while keeping track closures to a minimum.
This is made possible by a modular concept in which only the worn section is replaced. The insert can be replaced on site within one hour, providing greater flexibility and supporting the efficient use of short maintenance windows.
This makes PITSTOP particularly suitable for operating environments with highly restricted possession times, such as mixed-traffic and metro networks.
Additional benefits of PITSTOP:
- Eliminates the need for repair welding in track
- Insert refurbishment under controlled factory conditions
- Easy integration into existing infrastructure
- Full ultrasonic inspectability to support efficient condition monitoring
IMPACT: Longer Service Life Through Reduced Dynamic
Longer service life, less wear and improved lifecycle costs. IMPACT reduces dynamic loads in the crossing area by up to 30 percent and can thereby double the service life of the crossing compared to conventional fixed crossings.
Key development is a mechanically decoupled crossing nose that enables a significantly smoother wheel transition. The resulting reduction in dynamic forces helps protect infrastructure, extend turnout service life and improve economic performance throughout the entire lifecycle.
Additional benefits of IMPACT:
- Easy integration into existing infrastructure
- Low system complexity through the elimination of additional signaling interfaces
- Proven installation and maintenance procedures can continue to be used
To meet different operational requirements, IMPACT is available in two variants. Both are based on the decoupled crossing concept but differ in their design, material concept and structural behavior.
While IMPACT PSR features a rail-steel running surface and enhanced structural flexibility for a particularly smooth wheel transition, IMPACT BLB utilizes a forged crossing nose and optimized wheel-transfer geometry to deliver maximum wear resistance under demanding operating conditions.
Two Crossing Solutions. One Goal.
PITSTOP minimizes track possession times. IMPACT reduces wear. With these two new crossing solutions, voestalpine Railway Systems is redefining the performance of fixed crossings and delivering clear advantages over conventional solutions. More availability, more efficient maintenance and lower lifecycle costs.
The InnoTrans is regarded as THE most important international trade fair for transportation technology and takes place every two years at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. To mark its 30th anniversary, voestalpine Railway Systems — the world’s leading provider of complete railway infrastructure systems — will showcase its latest developments in digital system solutions.
Come visit us!
Experience System Performance on Track® from September 22–25 in Hall 21b, Booth No. 150.
This article was originally published by voestalpine Railway Systems.
