Reinforced Earth^® railway structures are similar to structures used in highway construction, but take into account the specific loads, design life and safety factors dictated by rail companies. Because Reinforced Earth^® retaining walls have a high load-carrying capacity and a resistance to vibration, they are ideal for support of both light rail and freight train raffic. Stray currents from light rail applications do not affect the isolated galvanized steel reinforcing strips.

In addition to its primary advantages of flexibility, rapid construction and cost savings, a Reinforced Earth structure requires very little space; making it ideal when building walls parallel to a railway. Structures are not deeply founded and require no footings beyond the front face. As a result, excavations do not encroach upon rail line beds. A Reinforced Earth^® wall is built entirely from the backfill side, without scaffolding and without the necessity of any structure or equipment in front of the wall. The structure can be placed right up to a clearance line or to a service road without any serious disruption of rail service.

More than 1000 Reinforced Earth structures have been constructed around the world to support heavy railroad loading and direct current traction-powered light rail systems.