Problem Railroad tracks, especially those that move freight, can take a beating. On top of regular wear and tear, tracks are subject to harsh weather and unpredictable conditions. To keep goods moving, railroads need to provide uninterrupted, reliable service in any weather. The Port Bienville Railroad, a Class III servicing the Port Bienville Industrial Park about 40 miles east of New Orleans, needed to upgrade its track to withstand the wet coastal climate of the Gulf of Mexico. The railroad turned to NARSTCO to provide its durable, long-lasting, and market-leading steel ties and turnouts. Click image to view larger

Solution The Port Bienville Railroad first made the switch to NARSTCO steel ties and turnouts over 15 years ago. "Port Bienville Railroad operates in a climate that's harsh on wood ties, so utilizing steel results in a longer lifespan," said Railroad Manager Shane LaFontaine. Compared to the alternative materials the railroad was using, NARSTCO steel products require less track maintenance and have a longer service life — often exceeding 50 years. The Port Bienville Railroad needs a long lifespan and reliable operations — it services the Port Bienville Industrial Park and moves over 15,000 rail cars carrying 500,000 tons of materials for the Park's industries. Steel products from NARSTCO, which are made in the U.S. from recycled materials, were the perfect option.

In rail construction applications, steel provides maximum strength and support and has a higher resistance to damage, corrosion, and deterioration. The railroad has been upgrading more of its track to steel since reaping the benefits of NARSTCO products. In the past three years, NARSTCO provided steel ties for three new tracks, and seven turnouts were changed from wood to steel in 2020. This year, the railroad team plans to upgrade another three turnouts to steel. In addition to durability and longevity, steel provides a range of benefits compared to alternative products, including:

• Safer, easier and faster installation
• Reduction in ballast needed
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Less expensive to handle and transport
• Extended service life
• Environmentally friendly
• Manufactured from recycled steel

Since 1996, NARSTCO has stood apart as the name in steel railroad ties, distinguishing itself not just on the quality of its products but also on the caliber of its service. For more information about what NARSTCO can do for your rail operation, please email matt.violin@narstco.com.

RailWorks
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