17- 229 C.M.R. ch. 501, § 04

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 229-501-04 - SIDE CLEARANCES

Minimum side clearances from the center line of tangent standard gauge railroad and street railroad tracks which are used, or proposed to be used, for transporting freight cars, except as hereinafter described, shall be as shown below:

Click here to view Image

Description	Minimum Side ClearancesMaine Line Sidetrack
A.	All structures and obstructions above the top of rail, except as hereinafter specifically mentioned	8'0"
B.	Downspouts, fire walls and retractable canopies	7'6"
C.	Doorways and entrances to buildings. The leading car or engine shall be brought to a full stop before entering such a restricted area	7'0"
D.	Platforms or loading wharves twelve (12) inches or less above the top of the highest rail	5'4"
E.	Platforms or loading wharves four (4) feet six (6) inches or less but more than twelve (12) inches above the top of the highest rail when used principally for loading or unloading refrigerator cars	8'0"
F.	Platforms or loading wharves four (4) feet or less (but more than twelve (12) inches) above the top of the highest rail. This clearance limited to locations where a full clearance of eight (8) feet is maintained on the opposite side of the track, or track centers to adjacent tracks, is not less than thirteen (13) feet	5'9"
G.	Platforms or loading wharves above four (4) feet, up to a maximum of nine (9) feet, on side-tracks for handling products of the forest, mines and pits an one side of track only	6'0"
H.	Platforms previously constructed at less than the clearances herein prescribed may be extended at such existing clearance, unless the extension is in connection with the complete reconstruction of the original platform.
I.	Switch Boxes, switch operating mechanisms and accessories necessary for the control and operation of signals and interlockers projecting four (4) inches or less above the top of the highest rail	3'0"
J.	Signals and switch stands three (3) feet two (2) inches or less above the top of the highest rail and located between tracks where not practicable to provide clearances otherwise prescribed in this order	5'5"
K.	Signals and switch stands in yards four (4) feet or less above the top of the highest rail and located between tracks where track centers are fifteen (15) feet or more	7'0"
L.	Icing platforms and supports	6'0"

M. No merchandise, materials, equipment or other articles except ice and snow shall be placed or permitted to remain either on the ground or on the platform adjacent to any track at a distance of less than eight (8) feet from the center line of the track; provided that this rule shall not apply to materials to be used within a reasonable length of time in the construction, maintenance or repair of tracks or structures.

N. Structures adjacent to curved tracks shall have any additional minimum side clearance compensating for the curvature.

O. When tracks are operated exclusively for logging purposes, log rollways which serve them may be erected at less than the minimum side clearance herein prescribed.

P. The side clearances specified herein shall not apply to mail cranes during such times as the arms of such mail cranes are supporting sacks for delivery, provided that the top arm is not higher than ten (10) feet eight (8) inches above the top of the rail, and neither arm extends within six (6) feet one (1)inch from the center line of the track.

Q. On all tracks within yard limits where switching is normally performed, where side clearances are less than those prescribed herein caution signs or fixed signals shall be provided and such signs or signals shall be well maintained. Such signs or signals shall be erected within twelve (12) months of the effective date of this order, in a conspicuous location on a structure or post at a sufficient distance from the close clearance to provide adequate warning.

17- 229 C.M.R. ch. 501, § 04