The Army leads the way with plastic cross ties

[Philip H]

http://www.leesvilledailyleader.com/article/20140313/NEWS/140319784/1001/NEWS

[wazzou]

I'm uncertain where Fort Polk is, however being in the industry, the article raises an eyebrow or two. 
Creosote ties last 30-40 years or longer.   This is depending on location, of course, though additives or cross treatments with Borate to prevent Formosan Beadle attacks have lengthened life cycle times in the Southeast, where wood ties have historically survived the least time.
Secondly, it takes a lot of recycled one gallon milk jugs and energy to make a plastic tie, therefore they are up to 3 times more expensive than a treated wood tie.
Knowing that these are being installed on a Government facility though, helps to explain why the extra money is being spent.

[Philip H]

Fort Polk is in swampy southwestern Louisiana . . . where termites, beetles, fire ants, and coastal subsidence are all contributing to the challenges of managing the local rail spur.

And as a fed - this isn't an overpriced under thought government contract thing.  Rather, the Army made a corporate decision years ago to become an environmental leader in construction practices to lower its fixed costs long-term.  Most Army bases are LEED pioneers in both certification levels and volume.

[pwnj]

YAY! My Atlas Code 80 track just got more prototypical! 

[Baronjutter]

Makes a lot of sense given the terrain.

[nkalanaga]

And they would be recyclable.  Once they wear out, just melt them down, and make new ones.

[jpec]

The Live Steamers group in Baltimore City that runs in Leakin Park uses plastic ties on their lines...