Today, we show you how Construcciones Urales is installing track on the steel structures of Line K of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway in Mexico.
The track installation process on steel bridges requires specific procedures adapted to their characteristics in order to meet the geometric and technical parameters of the railway infrastructure, thus ensuring its stability, alignment and operational safety.
Given the particular features of these structures and, above all, the limited working space, a significant amount of manual work is required, together with precision operations.
The track is installed directly on the steel structure using timber sleepers to provide greater weight control, cushioning, flexibility and insulation. The rails are welded outside the structures and subsequently lifted and moved onto the sleepers for positioning and fastening.
The main works include:
- Specific preparation of each timber sleeper.
- Direct installation on the steel structure.
- Installation and fastening of anchors.
- Installation and fastening of spacing members.
- Installation of rail baseplates.
- Rail installation and securing with fastenings.
- Welding and stress release.
- Rigorous quality and safety controls throughout the entire process.
As part of the Line K rehabilitation works, Construcciones Urales is carrying out track installation on 7 steel bridges, with lengths ranging from 21 to 372 metres, representing a total of 1,170 metres of track, 2,340 metres of rail and nearly 3,000 timber sleepers.
To date, a total of 502 metres of track has been installed on 5 of the 7 bridges, representing 42% progress.
Through its participation in this project, Construcciones Urales demonstrates its experience, technical capabilities and the commitment of its professional teams to developing all types of railway solutions, contributing to the construction of strategic infrastructure that strengthens mobility and connectivity in Mexico.
