Network Rail Introduces Low-Carbon Composite Sleepers

Network Rail’s Wales and Western region, in collaboration with the organisation’s Technical Authority, has developed a new type of railway sleeper. Known as “hedgehog” sleepers, these innovative components are designed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of railway construction and maintenance.

_{The “Hedgehog” Sleepers}

The new hedgehog sleepers are engineered to be far more environmentally friendly than their traditional counterparts. These sleepers contain 90% less embedded carbon compared to wooden sleepers and 78% less than concrete equivalents. Considering that sleepers currently account for 30% of the carbon embedded within railway infrastructure, this development has the potential to drastically reduce the environmental impact of railways.

_{How the Hedgehog Sleepers Work}

Network Rail installs approximately 350,000 concrete and 150,000 wooden sleepers each year. Replacing these with hedgehog sleepers could reduce the rail sector’s annual carbon footprint by approximately 49 million kilograms of carbon dioxide—equivalent to taking 24,500 family cars off the road annually.

The sleepers, developed in partnership with Lankhorst Engineered Products, are made from 90% recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves. This not only reduces the initial carbon impact but also ensures a sustainable lifecycle for the product.

Key Benefits

• Significant Carbon Reduction: Hedgehog sleepers offer a dramatic reduction in embedded carbon, contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint for the railway sector.
• Enhanced Durability: The new composite sleepers are designed to last at least twice as long as traditional concrete sleepers, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated environmental costs.
• Ease of Installation: These sleepers can be laid mechanically, making the replacement process quicker and easier, which can further reduce disruptions and costs.

_{A Major Step Toward Sustainable Railways}

The introduction of low-carbon composite sleepers by Network Rail represents a significant step forward in the effort to make railway infrastructure more sustainable. The potential carbon savings from widespread adoption of these sleepers could play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of the UK’s rail network.

As the railway industry continues to seek out innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint, the hedgehog sleepers stand out as a promising development. Network Rail’s commitment to sustainability is evident in this initiative, which not only addresses current environmental challenges but also sets the stage for future advancements in green technology.