Testing of a 12-axle railroad platform is nearing completion

Testing is nearing completion for the 12-axle railroad platform known as Atlas, designed for transporting containers with nuclear waste in the United States, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply

This project, with a cost of approximately $33 million, is being carried out at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Trolley and Wheelset Maintenance

Recently, the platform successfully completed over 2,700 kilometers of test routes between the cities of Pueblo and Sckoville.

It carried the maximum allowable weight of 240 tons to simulate the transport of the heaviest container certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The composition included 2 locomotives, 2 additional platforms for security, and a support car specifically designed for such trains by Vigor Works.

All the railcars were equipped with sensors and monitoring systems.

It is expected that after the completion of test analysis and approval by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the composition will receive permission for operation by the end of this year.

Furthermore, at the request of the Department of Energy, an 8-axle platform of similar purpose, called Fortis, is under development, with testing planned for 2024.

Video: U.S. Department of Energy.

News in railway transportation you might have missed:

Railway Accident in Eastern Pakistan

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit