Research into Enhanced Track, Switches and Structure The railway of the future needs to meet the predicted growth in societal demand in terms of capacity and service, address the environmental challenges of the 21st century, and enable the political objectives of the European Union. IN2TRACK is to set the foundations for a resilient, consistent, cost-efficient, high capacity European network by delivering important building blocks that unlock the innovation potential that have been identified as part of the Shift2Rail Innovation Programme 3. Overall objectives of IN2TRACK are divided into three parts; Enhancing and optimising the switch & crossings and track systems in order to ensure the optimal line usage and capacity; Investigating novel ways of extending the life of bridges and tunnel assets through new approaches to maintaining, repairing and upgrading these structures; Development and adoption of a holistic, whole system-approach. A whole-system approach ,which is defined as the system boundaries extending from dynamic wheel-rail interaction (loading input) through to degradation of the S&C system, sub-systems, individual components, and underlying track foundation, will also be at the heart of IN2TRACK on how to reach the objectives. This IN2TRACK proposal addresses each of the areas identified in the H2020-S2RJU-2016-01 call. IN2TRACK is fully aligned with Shift2Rail IP3 in its objectives, approach, and ambition; addressing early enhancements and innovation opportunities.

The IN2TRACK2 proposal addresses the topic of “Research into optimised and future railway infrastructure” of the 2018 HORIZON 2020 SHIFT2RAIL Call for proposals for the Joint Undertaking Members (S2R-CFM-IP3-01-2018). IN2TRACK2 deals with rail infrastructure sub-system and covers all the works on Switch & Crossing (S&C), Track and Structures (Bridges and Tunnels) included in the SHIFT2RAIL Innovation Programme 3 (including the project IN2TRACK) and contributes to the full longer-term SHIFT2RAIL objectives. IN2TRACK2 represents the opportunity to choose some high-risk, innovative activities from the current SHIFT2RAIL work programme for development under intensive collaboration as the right path for success. IN2TRACK2 aims to reduce lifecycle costs, improve reliability and punctuality, whilst increasing capacity, enhancing interoperability and improving the customer experience. The structure of the work plan is designed around the development of a certain number of well-focused technological innovations in several areas (S&C, Track and Structures), each and all together, will contribute to achieve the desired impact at the overall railway system level. The IN2TRACK2 proposal is organised around three technical sub-projects, which are interconnected: S&C, Track and Structures. S&C activities aim at both improving the operational performance of existing S&C and providing radical new S&C system solutions that deliver a step-change in performance of the asset. The IN2TRACK2 Track activities aim at both exploring new track construction to optimise the today track system and improving the track system substantially to provide a step change in performance. The IN2TRACK 2 Bridges and Tunnels activities aim at improving methods and repair techniques to reduce costs, improve quality and extend the service life of structures. By enhancing S&C, Track and Structures, IN2TRACK2 contributes to all of the expected impacts identified in the Shift2Rail Annual Work Plan 2018.

The foreseen research activities are expected to contribute to the creation of a framework for an effective railway for freight as a part of the logistical value chain in a more automated way via intelligent equipment and railway terminals enabling the provision of accurate information to end customers and operators. The objective of the FR8RAIL IV project is to further develop technologies relevant for the rail freight sector to reach the goal highlighted in the Shift2Rrail Master Plan. The work is partly based on results achieved in the previous projects of the AWP 2015-2019 (FFL4E, ARCC, FR8RAIL I-III, and FR8HUB). FR8RAIL IV seeks to increase technical readiness of the specific technologies developed through innovation actions up to TRL 7. In the framework of the general challenges highlighted in the S2R Strategic Master Plan, specific challenges consistent with the Annual Work Plan 2020 will be addressed by the FR8RAIL IV project.