The Alto high-speed rail network: Designed for performance, with safety in mind

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1. High-speed rail components

High-speed rail has proved itself worldwide, including in France, Japan and Spain. These networks are known for being efficient, safe and for improving connectivity between cities.

Alto draws on these models by considering Canadian realities to design a system that is reliable, efficient and adapted to our climatic conditions.

Safety

High-speed rail is one of the world’s safest modes of intercity transportation. Alto will adopt best practices to ensure passenger and community safety.


1.Dedicated tracks without any railway crossings 2.Security fencing to prevent trespassing 3.Advanced signalling systems and automated controls 4.Service road for train access and maintenance.

Performance

A train generally has to reach more than 250 km/h to be considered a high-speed train.

Alto will leverage advanced engineering, specialized infrastructure and operational strategies to achieve speeds of 300 km/h or more.

5. Aerodynamic train design and lightweight materials 6. Track geometry optimized to maximize linear segments and limit curve amplitude (minimum radius of 7 km) 7. Ballasted railway track, where the track is secured to ties that rest on a layer of crushed rock ballast 8. A railway platform consisting of compacted layers under the ballast to support and ensure the long-term stability of the tracks.

Reliability and comfort

Reliability and comfort are key to providing an enhanced travel experience.

9. Catenary and pantograph power supply 10. Spacious cabins 11. Efficient Wi-Fi 12. Welded tracks to reduce noise and vibrations 13. Switch heaters and track components suited to winter conditions.

2. Specialized infrastructure adapted to the environment

The Alto network will be designed to integrate thoughtfully into the environments it crosses. The objective is clear: limit impacts on communities near the network and preserve ecosystems, while ensuring service performance and safety.

The network will use specialized infrastructure adapted to the diverse environments it crosses and their geography:

1. Railway right-of-way that is 40 to 60 metres wide for maintenance and safety 2. Service roads for use by service and response vehicles 3. Elevated tracks to limit the footprint and preserve local mobility 4. Bridges and overpasses that meet environmental standards 5. Strategically located maintenance centres 6. Well-integrated stations as mobility and urban development hubs 7. Tunnels to cross densely built areas or natural obstacles

3. A network designed for Canadian weather conditions

The Alto network will be designed to deal with Canadian weather challenges, including harsh winters and extreme heat, but also the impacts of climate change. Our teams will leverage innovative strategies and be mobilized to ensure service performance and reliability, even during the most demanding weather events.

Maintenance strategies and solutions being reviewed include:

  • Mechanical snow removal with railway track snow plows
  • Preventive treatments to improve adherence between the wheels and tracks
  • Thermal blowers to protect switches
  • Track and ballast monitoring during periods of heat
  • Systems for detecting high winds
  • Catenary maintenance with de-icing trains, heating wires and electrical supercharging
  • Surveillance by sensors, thermal cameras and drones
  • Proactive plant management alongside railway tracks


1. High-speed rail components

High-speed rail has proved itself worldwide, including in France, Japan and Spain. These networks are known for being efficient, safe and for improving connectivity between cities.

Alto draws on these models by considering Canadian realities to design a system that is reliable, efficient and adapted to our climatic conditions.

Safety

High-speed rail is one of the world’s safest modes of intercity transportation. Alto will adopt best practices to ensure passenger and community safety.


1.Dedicated tracks without any railway crossings 2.Security fencing to prevent trespassing 3.Advanced signalling systems and automated controls 4.Service road for train access and maintenance.

Performance

A train generally has to reach more than 250 km/h to be considered a high-speed train.

Alto will leverage advanced engineering, specialized infrastructure and operational strategies to achieve speeds of 300 km/h or more.

5. Aerodynamic train design and lightweight materials 6. Track geometry optimized to maximize linear segments and limit curve amplitude (minimum radius of 7 km) 7. Ballasted railway track, where the track is secured to ties that rest on a layer of crushed rock ballast 8. A railway platform consisting of compacted layers under the ballast to support and ensure the long-term stability of the tracks.

Reliability and comfort

Reliability and comfort are key to providing an enhanced travel experience.

9. Catenary and pantograph power supply 10. Spacious cabins 11. Efficient Wi-Fi 12. Welded tracks to reduce noise and vibrations 13. Switch heaters and track components suited to winter conditions.

2. Specialized infrastructure adapted to the environment

The Alto network will be designed to integrate thoughtfully into the environments it crosses. The objective is clear: limit impacts on communities near the network and preserve ecosystems, while ensuring service performance and safety.

The network will use specialized infrastructure adapted to the diverse environments it crosses and their geography:

1. Railway right-of-way that is 40 to 60 metres wide for maintenance and safety 2. Service roads for use by service and response vehicles 3. Elevated tracks to limit the footprint and preserve local mobility 4. Bridges and overpasses that meet environmental standards 5. Strategically located maintenance centres 6. Well-integrated stations as mobility and urban development hubs 7. Tunnels to cross densely built areas or natural obstacles

3. A network designed for Canadian weather conditions

The Alto network will be designed to deal with Canadian weather challenges, including harsh winters and extreme heat, but also the impacts of climate change. Our teams will leverage innovative strategies and be mobilized to ensure service performance and reliability, even during the most demanding weather events.

Maintenance strategies and solutions being reviewed include:

  • Mechanical snow removal with railway track snow plows
  • Preventive treatments to improve adherence between the wheels and tracks
  • Thermal blowers to protect switches
  • Track and ballast monitoring during periods of heat
  • Systems for detecting high winds
  • Catenary maintenance with de-icing trains, heating wires and electrical supercharging
  • Surveillance by sensors, thermal cameras and drones
  • Proactive plant management alongside railway tracks


Page last updated: 14 Jan 2026, 05:03 PM