Railroad crossing systems have changed over the years — from using nothing at all to using wood, asphalt, and rubber. Typically, those systems were installed right on top of the ballasted railroad ties.
Today, the most common railroad crossings are made of precast concrete. Precast offers many advantages.
Like the other systems, Precast can be installed on top of railroad ties, however, several precast systems can be installed on a road base. Installing a precast system on a road base is a much better long-term solution.
Because of their durability, speed of installation, and flexibility, precast has become the most popular option.
For these primary reasons, precast concrete crossings are the ideal solution. Precast systems can be placed much faster. Where cast in place concrete would shut down the line for days, precast pieces can be laid in place and affixed to the track in a day or two — or less depending on the size and complexity of the crossing.
Although the crossings are long-lasting, track materials in and around the crossing may not be. For this reason, precast systems are manufactured so that post-installation maintenance can be performed.
Green Production Processes
In addition to the durability and strength of our precast concrete products, our products offer solutions to engineering and architectural problems that crop up from time to time in the buried infrastructure world.
Our forms are customizable and reproducible. And we work hard to ensure that no unnecessary waste contributes to the degradation of our environment. We consider ourselves stewards of the environment that provides for us and sustains us. Plus, it just makes good business sense to commit ourselves to sustainability and green production processes.
For our valued partners, this means we deliver durable, high-quality precast concrete infrastructure products while working to protect our shared environment.
Our manufacturing and production standards are rigorous. So rigorous, in fact, that we are the first precast concrete plant in the buried infrastructure industry to ever earn a SMaRT certification.
As a team, we deliver sustainable concrete solutions that focus first and foremost on quality products. But SMaRT certification means we also keep a steady eye on our manufacturing processes in order to help protect public health and the environment.
It’s why we make sure to use renewable energy sources; to prep our teams to reduce energy consumption; and to use bio-based and/or recycled materials whenever and wherever possible.
Have any questions about our SMaRT certification or about our production processes in general? Get in touch!
Additional Precast Concrete Forms
Columbia Precast Products also manufactures precast box culverts large enough to allow passage underneath the track and strong enough to handle vehicle and train weight.
In places where track must cross over streams or other short spans, Columbia Precast creates three-sided bridges. As durable as box culverts, these bridges have a smaller footprint and cause less disruption to the surrounding area or waterway.
We manufacture precast products in a controlled environment to ensure our customers get the highest-quality crossing pads, culverts, and bridges. We strength test all of our pieces after the appropriate amount of hardening and strengthening has occurred. That way our pieces are ready to go when you are.
Columbia Precast Concrete has continually worked to improve our railroad crossing designs. Using support services required for the most advanced projects, we’ve completed major customized jobs with local partners. Our pieces have been used in both private and public applications.
No matter if you need complex pads, several bridges, or large culverts to complete your railroad crossings, Columbia Precast Products is the premier concrete company in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact us today for an estimate on your railroad crossing needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
