How to Fund State-of-the-Art Electric Rail Heating Systems

Are You Aware of the Funding Opportunities Available to Rail Systems?

Rail infrastructure—the backbone of rail transportation—is vital to the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of trains that transport people and goods around the world. In the U.S., freight rail and passenger rail are part of integrated system that allows authorities such as Amtrak to operates over a 21,400-mile network, around 70% of which is known as “host track.”^[i]

Freight lines are fortunate in that direct shipper fees fund much of the cost of maintaining rail networks, investing on average over $260,000 per mile. Passenger rails, however, face significant funding challenges, as they rely upon government funding. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated a state-of-good repair backlog of $45.2 billion. Between 2017 and 2019, Amtrak alone spent $713 million on state-of-good-repair projects.^[ii]

The soundness of rail infrastructure is especially important in regions susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Rail track switch heating systems are essential in maintaining functionality to prevent snow and ice accumulation on tracks, switches, and other critical components. To modernize and maintain rail heating systems, funding becomes a crucial consideration.

BIG NEWS! Partnerships and Funding Opportunities

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) offers guidelines and programs that provide resources for enhancing rail systems, including state-of-the-art rail heating solutions. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), provides unprecedented funding—$102 billion in total rail funding—for FRA programs to enhance the U.S. rail network.

For example, the Federal-State Partnership (FSP) Program has over $1 billion available to fund capital projects that reduce the state-of-good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service for projects not located on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).

Other programs include FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program. The FRA also provides a list of programs offering climate-related funding opportunities for the rail industry.

Advanced Dual Element Electric Track Switch Heating for Exceptional ROI

The ROI of investing in a modern rail heating system can lead to significant economic, environmental, and operational benefits, from reduced operating and energy costs to a lighter carbon footprint to improved performance metrics. The benefits of a state-of-the-art track switch heating system include:

• Operational Efficiency: Ice and snow accumulation on rails and switches can lead to delays and operational hazards. Efficient rail heating and monitoring systems ensure smooth operation, even during extreme weather.
• Enhanced Safety: Accidents related to icy tracks can result in major economic losses and the endangerment of passengers and rail crews. Contemporary rail heating systems reduce the risks associated with wintry conditions.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: With proactive, advanced heating and monitoring solutions, the need for reactive maintenance or emergency repairs due to heavy snowfall or icy, freezing conditions is minimized.

NIBE North America is working with rail authorities nationwide to implement its advanced electric switch heating technology—technology developed for European rail systems and further refined to meet the extreme weather conditions in the U.S. We bring rail authorities and funding agencies together—and often times the regional utility company—to strategize around how best to implement an energy-efficient, reliable track switch heating system.

Our Blue Point dual-element switch heating system leverages innovative pulse width modulated (PWM) switch heating technology which enables operators to dial in the exact wattage required to keep rails free of ice and snow. The system has been deployed at several U.S. transit authorities, helping them to manage peak demand, avoid costly delays, boost performance metrics, and significantly reduce energy use. Because the system applies heat only when and where it is needed, energy savings of 90% and higher have been achieved by major U.S. rail authorities where Blue Point has been installed.

Partner with NIBE North America

Upgrading to state-of-the-art rail heating systems is a smart investment that ensures rail operations remain safe and efficient during the winter months. NIBE can help you navigate the potential partnerships and funding opportunities available to help you modernize your rail heating system, improve safety, and reduce long-term operational and energy costs.

We are here to help you implement the best track switch heating system with custom USA manufactured solutions that will boost performance metrics and reduce your carbon footprint.

• Achieve energy cost savings of 90% and higher.
• Reduce maintenance costs—heaters have an unprecedented 10-year warranty.
• Keep tracks free of ice and snow with the hottest electric rail heating system available—a robust 500-600 watts.
• Apply targeted, precise heat with PWM monitoring, specifically when and where it is needed.

How can we help you with your next rail switch heating project? Contact an engineer today to set up a consultation. We look forward to helping you soon.

[i] https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/rail-infrastructure/

[ii] https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/rail-infrastructure/