Spårvägsspår

Spårvägsspår, known in English as tram tracks, are the physical steel or concrete tracks that form the guideway for trams and streetcars. They typically consist of a double track with a gauge equal to the tram car’s wheelbase; in Sweden the standard gauge is 1,435 mm. The rails are laid on a bed of ballast or prefabricated concrete sleepers to provide stability and drainage, and a crosstie network or concrete slab is often used in urban areas to reduce maintenance.

The history of spårvägsspår dates back to the early 19th century, when horse-drawn tramways were introduced in European cities. With the advent of electric traction in the late 19th century, railways were redesigned to carry lightweight electric vehicles. Modern tram tracks use continuous welded rail to minimise gaps and noise, and are often combined with reinforced concrete pads that can support heavy tram traffic while allowing impermeable surfaces for pedestrian areas.

Maintenance of spårvägsspår involves regular inspection for wear, corrosion and alignment. Rails are greased to prevent tyre wear and to reduce friction. When rails develop stiffness or spalling, they are replaced in sections. In many cities, the tracks are hidden behind decorative street furniture or embedded in asphaltic pads to preserve the historic feel while maintaining contemporary safety standards.

Spårvägsspår play a vital role in urban mobility, offering a low‑emission transit option that integrates seamlessly into street life. In Sweden, many municipalities have invested in modern tram corridors that employ a combination of street‑level tracks and dedicated rights‑of‑way, thereby enhancing connectivity between suburbs and city centres while preserving heritage through the careful construction and maintenance of their spårvägsspår.