Zig zag ties in Europe?

[NtheBasement]

Came across a photo that got me curious.  Anyone here know what the ties, aka sleepers, are for in this picture?  Guessing from the crossing signs that this is Germany.  Possibly they prevent sideways slippage better than the usual perpendicular ties.  [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Original context is not helpful:  https://theconversation.com/early-climate-models-got-global-warming-right-but-now-us-funding-cuts-threaten-the-future-of-climate-science-data-269639

[Point353]

https://www.eurogunzel.com/2025/05/y-shaped-railway-sleepers-germany/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y-shape_steel_sleeper

https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/article/846/dbs-experience-with-y-steel-sleepers/

[Chris333]

Last time this was posted on The Railwire we found the exact spot on Google and a bunch of other stuff.


https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=59599.0

[learmoia]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railroad_tie

About Halfway down.. (Plus many other oddball ties.. )

[NtheBasement]

Thanks guys!  Didn't realize they were Y shaped or steel.  From what I read is sounds like the biggest advantage is your ballast layer doesn't have to be so thick?  I suppose that can make bridge and tunnel clearances easier to achieve.