The conceptual design of your railroad construction project is perhaps the most important phase there is. Just as a home with flaws in the foundation will experience costly mishaps over time, a flawed design with railway construction can lead to significant negative impacts down the line. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at the five areas where a smart, modern conceptual design can help.
Safety
This is a biggie. The design of your railroad construction project needs to keep the safety of its workers at the top of your mind. It should also factor in the public at large.
Some design steps a railroad construction company should take to ensure safety are as follows:
– Installing proper safety railing and signage
– Making sure workers are aware of potential hazards
– Conducting safety briefings prior to work commencing
Above all, they should involve you in the process. They should also provide adequate explanation and direction along the way.
Environment
Railway construction can have a significant impact on the environment. The clearing of land for the railway line can lead to the loss of trees and other vegetation, which can in turn lead to soil erosion and habitat loss. In addition, railway construction can generate noise and air pollution, as well as light pollution from 24-hour work.
And, of course, the running of trains also uses energy and emits greenhouse gases. There are ways to mitigate these impacts, however. For example, the design of railway lines makes great use of existing green space to minimize land clearing. Planting schemes may also be used to offset tree loss.
Cost
The cost of railroad construction has always been a major concern for engineers and railroad companies. In the early days of railroad development, the primary cost was the construction of the track itself. The cost of constructing the buildings and other structures necessary for the operation was secondary.
Today, the situation is reversed.
The cost of land and right-of-way acquisition now represents the single biggest expense in railroad construction. This is due in large part to the fact that most of the best railroad corridors have already been developed. As a result, railroad companies must now compete with other developers for access to land.
This competition has driven up prices and made it more difficult to secure funding for new projects. Despite these challenges, engineers continue to find ways to design railroads that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective by keeping such factors in mind from the planning stages.
Efficiency
Smart design methods such as using cutting-edge software, continuing education, and a better understanding of modern design principles, also set your project up for success. A clever design team will build with materials and implementation in mind. This means that the design of your railroad construction project should be done with safety and the environment in mind. Additionally, a well-designed project will be more efficient and cost-effective.
Social and Economic Impacts
Social and economic impacts refer to the consequences of economic activity on individuals, groups, or communities. It is important to consider both the social and economic impacts of activity before making a decision on your final design scheme. That’s because they can often conflict with each other.
For example, a factory may create jobs but also pollute the air in a community, thus creating a long-tail negative impact that won’t ultimately be good for any of their interests.
Positive Impacts:
– A well-designed railroad can bring economic growth and development to an area
– It can create jobs in the short and long run
– It can increase property values
Potential Negative Impacts and Possible Solutions:
– Clearing land for a railway can lead to deforestation and loss of habitat so having a plan in place from the design phase should be considered.
– The construction of a railway can generate noise and air pollution, as well as light pollution from 24-hour work. Communication with the public is key to mitigating the impacts during final implementation.
– The running of trains also uses energy and emits greenhouse gases so factoring this in from the early stages will help companies counterbalance their operations with their environmental responsibilities.
Conceptual Design Is the First Step to Getting Your Project Right
From reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, to creating jobs and saving energy, investing in transportation solutions that improve safety, the environment, cost-efficiency, and social and economic impacts is a win for everyone.
When it comes to conceptual design that hits all these high points, American Track’s engineering team is ready to serve. Contact us today if there is a project that could use a solid, modern design experience.