Inspection and replacement of concrete ties

Since summer 2022, DB InfraGO has been running a precautionary program for the inspection and replacement of concrete ties. The inspection program was initiated as a result of the train accident in Burgrain, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on June 3, 2022. The cause of the tragic accident was defective concrete ties. Material-technical investigations showed irregularities in the material quality of the ties. A specific type of rock used in the production of concrete ties could also be responsible for the damage.

Now, stricter criteria apply when classifying damaged ties manufactured using the same type of rock. As a result of the preventive testing program, DB InfraGO replaced about 500,000 ties in 2023 – around five times more than usual. This involved about 450 additional construction sites in the rail network. In 2024, a similar level of replacement is planned.

Thanks to the progress achieved so far in replacing the ties, DB InfraGO will be able to reduce the restrictions associated with the work in the future. For example, where possible, DB InfraGO replaces the ties before it comes to precautionary restricted speed sections or even closures. Whenever possible, the work will take place at night during breaks or during prescheduled maintenance lockdown periods.

From the outset, the following applied and continues to apply: wherever DB InfraGO discovers particular abnormalities in the ties during its inspections, these are replaced as soon as possible. In order to ensure safety in rail operations, trains can only travel at lower speeds until the concrete ties are replaced in the affected sections of the line. In some cases, DB InfraGO has to close lines even before the actual construction work begins.

DB InfraGO will compensate the affected train operating companies for the damages actually incurred in connection with the inspections of the concrete ties and the resulting measures. In 2023, DB InfraGO agreed on compensation payments to intra-Group and non-Group customers totaling
€ 11 million. For 2024, DB InfraGO has planned funds of the same amount. The previous regulations remain unchanged.

DB InfraGO has also set up a group of internal and external experts to continuously examine possible further preventive measures for the maintenance of concrete ties.