The paper considers issues related to the reliability of railway switches. In particular, the quality of the steel used in the switch elements is investigated. The Latvian Railway operates more than 1,500 level crossings of profile 60 E1. According to the regulatory documentation of the Railway Administration, the planned repair of the transition to the main roads will be carried out with a transverse tonnage of > 450 million tons. But on average, after the total passage of 115 million tons, there are blurring of borders and cracks at the crossings. After melting, the crucifix should, on average, pass a total load of no more than 10 million tons. The core of these transitions is polymetallic, consisting of two-component steel. The crucifix is made of 350 HT grade tracked steel with a carbon content of 0.72–0.77 %. The surface with a thickness of about 20 mm is made of Hadfield steel.