Check rails to be installed on Tokaido Shinkansen

[bikkuri bahn]

In the wake of the derailment of a 200 series shinkansen on the Joetsu Line due to a earthquake a few years ago, JR Tokai has decided to install 140km of check rails on the Tokaido Shinkansen.  This is intended as an additional safety measure to prevent derailments in the event of an earthquake.  Check rails are normally used on sharp curves on the 1067mm system, but on the broad curves on shinkansen lines, were not seen as necessary. Completion of installation is expected by March, 2013.

 

article (Japanese):

 

http://www.tetsudo.com/news/451/%E8%84%B1%E7%B7%9A%E9%98%B2%E6%AD%A2%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%82%92%E8%A8%AD%E7%BD%AE%E3%81%B8%E3%80%80%E6%9D%B1%E6%B5%B7%E9%81%93%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B9%E7%B7%9A/