The pressure treated wood crosstie, a model of simplicity and reliability when it was introduced 12 decades ago, remains a dependable component of track systems.

The raw material, timber, is growing at a rate exceeding its removal. Sawmill cap-ability remains sufficient to handle demand, and wood preservation plant capacity in the United States and Canada is in an oversupply position.

While severe reductions in tie demand created financial and operational difficulties for the entire industry, accurate demand forecasts permit advance planning for a stable supply of ties presently and in the future. Manufacturers, railroad organizations, uni-versities, and others have an ongoing commitment to the research and development of wood crossties for the purpose of making a good product even better. Tests are being conducted to determine optimum cross section length, and spacing of ties. New methods of artificial seasoning are being investigated, as are re-finements in the treating process. Use of better fastening systems, anti-splitting devices, wear plates, larger tie plates, incising of the ties and adzing and boring continue to be researched in an attempt to reduce track maintenance and extend tie life.

The story of the pressure-treated wood crosstie is not complete, nor will it ever be, as those "workhorses" of the industry continue to play their part in modern railroading.

For more than a century and a half, wood crossties have lived and grown with the railroads. There is no reason to believe that they will not continue to live and grow together for many more years to come.