Development of Slab Tracks for Hokuriku Shinkansen Line

Thirty years have passed since the world's first use of slab tracks by the former Japanese National Railways. It is recognized that they have excellent performance for maintaining good track geometries and reduce track maintenance costs through this experience. However, there were still some points to be improved. This paper describes the present condition of slab tracks, development of a new structure on earthworks and reduction of construction costs for the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.