A method for the improvement need definition of large, single-track rail network analysis and infrastructure using 'Rail Traffic System Analysis'

摘要

A major change in Finnish rail freight transport flows caused a need to have a thorough capacity analysis of the network and a need to estimate how infrastructure should be improved to match the future traffic situation. For this purpose a new method was developed. Its main goals were to have an approach that combines different levels of traffic planning, is suitable for single track lines, takes into account the commercial aspects of the traffic and takes into account the network related dependencies. A large study was successfully done with the method and it showed that it could match its goals. Therefore, it was taken into regular use and it is integrated into the long term planning process of the Finnish rail network.