To ensure safe rail operations, SBB has to constantly control and regulate the vegetation in the area of its more than 7600 kilometers of track. Among other things, the weedkiller glyphosate is used for this purpose. To date, this herbicide is the only active ingredient approved in Switzerland for controlling vegetation in the vicinity of railroad facilities.
Novel solutions under test
In collaboration with external specialists, various novel solutions for vegetation control have been tested since 2018. It is already clear today that, due to the diversity of natural and structural conditions along the railroad lines, not just one solution will be used.
One possible method for controlling weeds in track areas is the use of a hot water spraying vehicle. In recent months, SBB has specially developed a test vehicle that has a plant detection function and is used to destroy unwanted vegetation.
SBB will prepare a life cycle assessment for the various vegetation control methods currently being tested. This will ensure that the new methods are more environmentally friendly than the process used to date. (Source: SBB News)
