Over the next few years, rails of varying profiles will be tested on a 2.5km stretch of the Dresden – Elsterwerda line, with the evaluation focussing on long-term performance and the impact on maintenance.

DB Networks says the profiles at this location are not currently being used anywhere else on the German mainline network. It expects to complete the installation phase by the end of November.

The project is being funded by the German federal government through its rail noise abatement programme.

DB Networks has committed to reducing train noise by 50% between 2000 and 2020, which it says can only be achieved through a combination of modifications to vehicles and track.

 Source: International Railway Journal, 13 September 2013