foto: Archives/VTG
Ever since the VTG launched its road-rail link technology (r2L) earlier this year, several railroads got added to the growing European network. Switzerland is the latest addition. After successful trials, SBB Cargo customer TRAVECO Transporte AG led the r2L handling and transport technology to transport non-crane containers by rail.
These are some key details about the r2L technology that provides an insight into the project
- Fine-grained structural steel
- Basic frame with slewing doors for vehicle access
- Hot-dip galvanized platforms and tracks
- The additional platform enables the transport of three light vans
- Suitable for transporting trailers and single wagon operation
- 1114 x 3000 x 14750 mm (WxL)
- Unloaded gross weight, depending on equipment, ca. 8,000 kg
- The unloaded gross weight of Trailer Use, ca. 4,300 kg
To actively stimulate further efforts to shift transport from road to rail, VTG AG and VEGA International have signed a master agreement. The agreement will ramp up their successful collaboration to provide no-gaps intermodal offerings. Vertical loading onto T3000e pocket wagons is now possible, so the r2L technology can already get used at more than 90 percent of all European terminals. Therefore, VTG is currently exploring the possibilities of the r2L transport and handling of technology for the TWIN pocket wagons.
The r2L modules were previously utilized twice a week on the Wörth - Fernetti (Trieste) and Rheine - Suzzara lines, where block trains exclusively used this technology and carried new-built commercial vehicles such as trucks and vans and new-built semi-trailers. In January 2021, a new Swarzędz - Suzzara service was launched, transporting the products of the VW factory near Poznań, as well as the Italian production towards the North.
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