Railway Clearances

[mrpid]

I am looking for some info regarding railway clearances, specifically the minimum distance reguired between the CL of a railway and the edge of pavement of a parallel road. Any assiatnce would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[bimr]

There are no standard distances. The clearances vary with laws of each location as well as the practices of the railroad companies.

Some places even have trains running down the middle of the street:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Southshoremichigancity.jpg

Historically, most railroads had 100 feet wide right of ways. Tracks are typically 13 feet center to center. You can find information on the railroad websites:

http://www.uprr.com/reus/roadxing/industry/index.shtml

http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/operations/specs/attachments/grade_separation.pdf

5.2.2 Permanent Horizontal Clearance
Future Track per Section 4.1.3 and Access Road per Section 4.1.4, of these Guidelines must be verified with the
Railroad in advance of establishing horizontal clearances. The Railroad requires all piers and abutments to be
located outside the Railroad right-of-way limits and to comply with Section 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of these Guidelines. If thisis not feasible, all piers and abutments shall be located more than 25 feet measured perpendicular from centerline of nearest existing or future track. Piers within 25 feet, measured perpendicular from centerline of existing or future track, shall be protected per Section 5.5.2 of these guidelines. Absolute minimum horizontal clearance requiring special review and approval by the Railroad, and subject to site conditions, shall be 18 feet measured perpendicular from the centerline of the track to the face of the pier protection wall.

You also need to check with the DOT in the location where your project is located. Here is an example:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/rcbook_55515_7.pdf

 

[gbam]

Basically, you need to contact the RR. There should be a local or state liason for the RR with whom you can discuss your project. Thios individual can also provide you with the RR's current design requirements.