Tramtrack

Tramtrack refers to the railway track used by trams, providing a guided path for these vehicles in urban and suburban networks. The running rails are typically laid on sleepers or embedded directly in the road surface, with ballast or a concrete slab offering structural support. Track gauge varies by system, with standard gauge (1435 mm) common in many regions, and meter gauge (1000 mm) or other gauges used in various countries. Trams employ flanged wheels that ride on two parallel rails, and switches and crossings allow transitions between tracks and routes.

Systems can be street-running, where rails are embedded in asphalt or concrete and share the road with other traffic, or fully grade-separated with dedicated rights-of-way and separate guideways. Modern urban track often uses slab or ballastless track to reduce road impact and improve durability. Maintenance includes rail grinding to control wear, replacement of worn sleepers, alignment checks, and renewal of switches; track quality directly influences ride comfort, noise, and safety. Electrical power for trams is typically supplied via overhead lines, with the track integrated into signaling and traffic-control systems to coordinate movements and ensure safe operation.