HI-LO BI-track system

Abstract

The HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM uses two interleaved tracks to move railroad trains through a curve; one track is for freight trains, the second track for passenger trains. The LO-TRACK, bearing slow-speed trains, is constructed with superelevation appropriate for freight trains. The HI-TRACK, bearing high-speed trains, is constructed with superelevation to suit passenger trains. High-speed switches are installed at each end of the curve to position a train on the correct track for its speed. In general, a passenger tram would be switched to the high-speed track and a freight train would be switched to the low-speed track.

1 . A HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM comprising: a first set of curved railroad track, wherein the superelevation of the first set of curved railroad track is appropriate for high-speed travel through the curve, and a second set of curved railroad track, interleaved with the first set of curved railroad track, wherein the superelevation of the second set of railroad track is appropriate for low-speed travel through the curve.  
   
   
       2 . The HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM of claim one further comprising: a length of straight railroad track and a high-speed switch, wherein the length of straight track is joined to the first set of curved railroad track and the second set of curved railroad track by the high-speed switch.  
   
   
       3 . The HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM of claim one, wherein the maximum superelevation of the second set of curved railroad track, relative to level ground, is 6 inches, the maximum superelevation of the first set of curved railroad track relative to second set of curved railroad track is 12 inches.  
   
   
       4 . The HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM of claim one, wherein, and the maximum superelevation of the first set of curved railroad track relative to the ground is 15 inches.  
   
   
       5 . The HI-LO BI-TRACK SYSTEM of claim one, wherein, the interleaved track is supported by reinforced concrete.