The corrosion resistance of HDPE plastics is the main driving force for its development. Wooden sleepers break down too quickly in hot and humid conditions. Treated wooden sleepers last 5 to 15 years in Louisiana. HDPE plastic sleepers are corrosion resistant and do not crack. The expected long life of HDPE plastic sleepers offers significant advantages when installation costs are high, such as on a bridge or on a transportation line that requires reinstallation in a limited time. HDPE塑料耐腐蚀的特性是其获得发展的主要推动力。木质轨枕在热和潮湿的条件下损坏太快，经过处理的木质轨枕在路易斯安那州能用5～15年，而HDPE塑料轨枕耐腐蚀不开裂，生产厂家提供长达50年的保质期。当安装成本较高时，如在桥上安装或要求在有限时间内完成重新安装任务的运输线上，HDPE塑料轨枕预期的长寿命则显示出巨大优势。
