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8/13/2026
Compiled by Hazel Wheaton, Associate Editor
Integrated track systems that address the structural, mechanical and constructability requirements of slab track applications are part of voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak’s product portfolio. Foundational to the company’s slab-track portfolio are Low Vibration Track (LVT) block systems and direct-fixation (DF) fasteners, which were developed to perform reliably across a variety of applications and environments.
Manufactured in partnership with Sonneville, the LVT block systems are designed to mitigate vibration while maintaining precise rail positioning and load distribution. Tunable stiffness characteristics and multiple block configurations allow adaptation to project-specific vibration mitigation and environmental requirements, Nortrak officials said in an email.
Sonneville’s new Severe Environment design incorporates an embedded rubber gasket with the LVT block that interlocks with the boot to form a watertight seal, preventing liquids or fine particles from affecting long-term performance.
Nortrak offers more than 30 types of rubber-bonded DF fasteners, spanning standard, medium and high-attenuation product lines. Mainline and special trackwork designs accommodate virtually any track geometry and vibration mitigation requirement, Nortrak officials said.
The company’s vertically integrated North American manufacturing includes in-house concrete, ductile iron and rubber molding facilities to ensure consistent quality and shorter lead times.
Collectively, these product lines support Nortrak’s systems-based approach, improving compatibility and enabling efficient design, procurement and long-term performance, company officials said. By delivering coordinated solutions across ballasted and slab track applications, the company simplifies project execution from design through installation and lifecycle support.
This past spring, Lewis Bolt & Nut Co. introduced the Evergrip HD G2® (heavy duty) screw spike, an enhanced fastening solution engineered for demanding, high-use track applications — such as turnouts and diamonds — in which increased holding power and long-term performance are critical, company officials said.
Developed in response to customer feedback and the evolving needs of Class Is, the Evergrip HD G2® features a larger-diameter shank and increased thread engagement to improve retention in wood ties.
Lewis Bolt’s Viper-1® drive-on rail anchor, developed in collaboration with Class Is, continues to provide increased holding power while reducing longitudinal rail movement and minimizing tie and tie plate wear, company officials said. Its larger bearing surface, deeper tie engagement and reusable design help improve track stability and extend tie life.
Lewis Bolt also manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of domestically produced rail-fastening products, including screw spikes, track bolts, frog and switch bolts, recessed-head timber screws, bridge hardware and specialty fastening solutions for freight-, transit- and industrial-rail applications.
A. Stucki Co. offers a comprehensive lineup of components necessary to rail-fastening systems through its Birmingham Rail subsidiary.
Birmingham Rail’s standard tie plates and hook twin tie plates can be machined for traditional track spikes or adapted for screw spikes and e-clips, depending on customer preferences, Stucki officials said.
The subsidiary also supplies loose components required to anchor and connect standard rails, including track spikes and bolts, joint bars, fish plates, rail anchors and gauge rods.
Birmingham Rail provides engineered turnout and crossing components, including switch material and pre-assembled turnouts ready to be dropped into place.
“Our products support the entire lifecycle of rail and track maintenance, from supplying new materials to stocking hard-to-find switch parts for rapid repairs,” said Eric Carter, Birmingham Rail’s vice president and general manager, in an email.
A. Stucki relocated its corporate headquarters from Pittsburgh to Chicago earlier this year. Birmingham Rail manufactures and distributes rail components from locations in Bessemer, Alabama; Youngstown, Ohio; and Houston.