Environmental impacts and associated costs of railway turnouts based on Austrian data

The production and provision of railway infrastructure causes environmental impacts for several indicators. goal this study is a single-score evaluation turnouts by calculating associated costs. methodology includes the life cycle assessment using CML-IA baseline method to calculate mid-point Monetary valuation models are investigated as basis pricing. Turnouts equipped with USP result in lower annual costs (EC) €429 than conventional concrete sleepers (€495). Of assessed impact categories, global warming potential (GWP) responsible vast majority EC values from 87% 97%. main uncertainties lie within emission factors indicators deviation pricing schemes. Steel production, circular economy, use alternative propulsion systems track work machinery, efficient maintenance strategies major potentials mitigation.