What clearance distance should the shoulder of a dual rail track be?

Question

What clearance distance should the shoulder of a dual rail track be?

Answer 1

Hi, I'm guessin' you want to know the distance in between the two. I found this on wikipedia but I think it's for places like the uk or europe because it uses metric for the measurement ... don't know if the measurement is the same here in the states though. anyways this is what it said babe ....

The distance between the track centres makes a difference in cost and performance of a double track line. The track centres can be as narrow and as cheap as possible, but this precludes maintenance workers standing safely between the lines. Signals for bi-directional working cannot be mounted between the tracks so must be mounted on the 'wrong' side of the line or on expensive signal bridges. Very narrow track centres are also undesirable for high speeds, as pressure waves knock each other as high speed trains pass. Narrow track centres might be 4m or less. Narrow track centres may have to be widen on sharp curves to allow for long rail vehicles following the arc of the curve, and this increases the work load for the surveyor.

If the track centres are increased to 5m or so, this suits high speed trains passing each other, and eliminates the need to widen the centres on sharp curves.

If the track centres are increased to 6m or so, signals and overhead wiring structures can always be mounted on the ground.

Very wide centres at major bridges can have military value. It also makes it harder for rogue ships and barges knocking out both bridges in the same accident.

Railway lines in desert areas affected by sand dunes are sometimes built on alternate routes so that if one is covered by sand, the other(s) are still servicable.

hope thats what ya needed!

Answer 2

Hi, the distance should be according to the NORAC regulations clearance is 3 ft (36 IN)  .