Experimental Track of the Railway Research Institute

The Experimental Track of the Railway Research Institute, located near Żmigród in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, is the only facility of its kind in Poland, one of six in Europe, and one of eight worldwide. Its primary function is to conduct research and tests on the durability and reliability of various railway vehicles and systems. Managed by the Railway Research Institute and the Experimental Track Operation Center, the facility is also supported by laboratories of the Road and Bridge Research Institute. The origins of the track date back to the 1950s, when initial steps were taken to realize this initiative. However, actual construction did not begin until the mid-1980s, driven by the growing need to test modern technical solutions for railway transport. After numerous delays, the track finally achieved stable operations, with its official opening taking place on September 12, 1996. The track loop is 7,725 meters long and features various types of surfaces, making it a unique site for engineering expertise. Additionally, in 2016, the track was equipped with the ERTMS/ETCS system, highlighting its modernity and adaptation to contemporary standards. Future plans include adapting the facility to test vehicles powered by different voltages, further expanding its functionality. An interesting fact is that the track is located just 40 km north of Wrocław and is an autonomous facility that does not serve transport functions. Its location was carefully chosen due to its proximity to railway rolling stock manufacturers and scientific support infrastructure.