String Rail Overpasses at EcoTechnoPark: Developments for Solving Any Logistical Problems

Traffic congestion, lack of roads, and harmful emissions are all becoming more significant problems every year. Infrastructure transformations require large-scale investments and take decades to implement. But there is a solution that could change the situation quite quickly - uST. The viability of the technology has already been proven in practice. The first complex for commercial operation has been launched in Maryina Gorka. And at EcoTechnoPark, the key track structures, that prove their effectiveness during testing, are presented. What are these string rail overpasses like and what makes them special? Discover in our review. 

Established Technology

At EcoTechnoPark, a test and demonstration center of UST Inc., the company's technologies are being tested under temperate conditions, improved, and prepared for commercial use. The string rail overpasses are not mere test prototypes, but a tangible representation of what transport could be like.There are several types of overpasses in the center. The variety of the structures allows uST technology to be customized for different tasks and environments. For instance, certain overpasses will be particularly effective for urban routes, whereas others will perfectly fit for tourist destinations or cargo transportation. Each solution demonstrates the unique advantages of uST technologies. Thanks to this approach, the company can create transport systems that best suit the needs of the customers. 

Overground Tracks for Different Purposes

A light string rail overpass is a simple and efficient construction solution that can be used even in challenging terrain. The minimal number of supports, fast installation, and low material consumption make it the best option for sparsely populated or recreational areas.The semi-rigid string rail overpass is a hybrid of flexible and rigid structures. It is more cost-effective than a truss track structure, while allowing for larger passenger and cargo capacity than a light one. The minimum deflection of the rails makes it possible to maintain high speed when passing supporting towers. These features ensure the transportation of passengers and cargo in large volumes and at high speed. It was on this overpass that the uST transport vehicle achieved its first speed of 100 km/h, demonstrating unequivocally that an overground system is not only environmentally-friendly and comfortable, but also fast.The super-light string rail overpass (based on coiled tubing) is characterized by relatively low cost and limited load capacity. A flexible continuous coiled tubing is used as the rail. Inside it, there is a bundle of high-strength steel wires and a special solid filler. The installation of the track is made easier due to the lack of sections and transverse joints in the rail. The spans can be 2 km long. This track is ideal for remote areas, where it would be impractical to construct traditional bridges or roads.The truss string rail overpass is a promising development that demonstrates the possibilities of high–speed transport. Its design allows for the combination of two traffic lines: urban and intercity. Here a passenger uBus and a high-speed uFlash can move on different levels of the same overpass. This opens up new opportunities for the transportation logistics of megacities.The cargo complex includes uTrans, which operates as a conveyor, and a line designed for the movement of a cargo uPod, uTruck. And it is also truss string rail overpass. This type of transport can quickly and efficiently deliver up to 100 million tons of cargo each year. The loading and unloading processes are automated. The above-ground location of the complex, the design of the overpass, and the automated control system ensure the safe transportation of goods even in adverse and extreme weather conditions.

uST New Capabilities 

At EcoTechnoPark, the construction of new tracks continues, that will expand the capabilities of uST. One of them is a semi–rigid string rail overpass for heavy-duty uPods weighing more than 50 tons. Anchoring structures, software, power supply and lighting systems have already been commissioned. The next stage of construction includes the installation of a track structure. The overpass will be the heaviest among all the routes implemented by UST Inc. With a significant reduction in material consumption, the track will have a high load-bearing capacity, as well as high rigidity and evenness.Another development is a semi–rigid string rail overpass with more than 280 m long unsupported spans. The route will permit the testing of suspended heavy uPods, weighing more than 20 tons. Its design is ideal for crossing mountain gorges, rivers, and other natural obstacles. It is a versatile solution for areas where the construction of traditional bridges would be impractical.

Innovations Available Now

Today, the world is in need of transportation solutions that can meet the challenges of our time. The string rail overpasses have proven their reliability and efficiency under the test conditions at EcoTechnoPark. The elevated location of the tracks, the low operating and construction costs, and the flexibility of application make them an optimal solution for modern transportation. Are cities and industrial facilities ready to implement such developments? The answer is clear: when traditional approaches become too costly and complicated, more affordable alternatives are given the go-ahead.