Md. Code Regs. 20.95.02.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 20.95.02.04 - Side Clearances

A. Minimum side clearances from the center line of tangent railroad tracks, which are used or proposed to be used for transporting freight cars, except as otherwise prescribed in these regulations, shall be as shown below. However, structures, including platforms and tracks, constructed before July 28, 1953, may be maintained and extended at the existing clearances.

B. All structures and obstructions above the top of the rail except those specifically mentioned in these regulations are to have a minimum side clearance of 8 feet 6 inches.

C. Platforms, except platforms adjacent to main or passing tracks 4 feet or less above the top of the rail, may have lesser clearances than 8 feet 6 inches from the center line of track on one side of the tracks only and where a full clearance of 8 feet 6 inches is maintained on the opposite side of the track or track centers to adjacent track are not less than 13 feet 6 inches.

D. Platforms 4 feet 6 inches or less above the top of the rail when used principally for loading or unloading refrigerator cars may be constructed 8 feet from the center line of the track.

E. Platforms previously constructed at clearances less than prescribed in these regulations may be extended at the lesser clearances unless the extension is in connection with the reconstruction of the original platform.

F. Low passenger platforms not over 8 inches above the top of the rail may be 5 feet 1 inch from the center line of track. High passenger platforms not over 4 feet above the top of the rail may be 5 feet 7 inches from the center line of track.

G. Side clearances, other than for platforms, on sidings only, at entrances to and inside of warehouse and industrial buildings shall be not less than 8 feet from the center line of track.

H. Switchboxes, switch-operating mechanisms, and accessories necessary for the control and operation of signals and interlockers projecting 4 inches or less above the top of the rail shall be not less than 3 feet from the center line of track.

I. The center spindle of signal and switch stands 3 feet or less above the top of the rail and located between tracks where not practicable to provide clearances otherwise prescribed in these regulations shall be not less than 6 feet from the center line of track.

J. Through bridges supporting track affected, tunnels, water columns, and oil columns should be not less than 8 feet from the center line of track.

K. The clearances for through bridges supporting track affected, water barrel platforms and refuge platforms on bridges and trestles not provided with walkways, handrails, water barrels, water columns, oil columns, block signals, cattle guards, and stock chutes when all or portions of them are 4 feet or less above the top of the rail, may be decreased to the extent defined by a line extending diagonally upward from a point level with the top of the rail and 5 feet distant laterally from the center line of track to a point 4 feet above the top of the rail and 8 feet distant laterally from the center line of track. However, the minimum clearance for handrails and water barrels on bridges with walkways shall be 7 feet 9 inches, and the minimum clearance for fences or cattle guards shall be 6 feet 9 inches.

L. The lesser clearances authorized in §K, above, provided for handrails and water barrels, are not applicable to through bridges where the work of trainmen or yardmen require them to be upon the decks of the bridges for the purpose of coupling and uncoupling cars in the performance of switching service on a switching lead.

M. The side clearances specified in these regulations do not apply to mail cranes during the times the arms of the mail cranes are supporting a mail sack for delivery, provided that the top arm is not then higher than 10 feet 8 inches above the top of the rail and neither arm extends to within 6 feet 5 inches from the center line of track.

N. Icing platforms and supports shall have a minimum side clearance of 7 feet 8 inches.

O. Operations over portions of track adjacent to icing platforms constructed before July 28, 1953 with a side clearance of less than 7 feet 8 inches shall be restricted except in emergencies to the movement or switching of trains containing refrigerator cars to be iced, and the necessary use of the tracks for the unloading of supplies required for the operation of the icing dock.

P. Side clearances specified in these regulations do not apply to inter-track fences located on the center line between tracks.

Q. The clearances provided in this regulation do not apply to engine houses, engine house facilities, tipples, or facilities used for the loading or unloading of bulk commodities.

R. All minimum side clearances prescribed in this regulation are for tangent tracks. Structures adjacent to curve tracks shall have an additional minimum side clearance compensating for the curvature.

Md. Code Regs. 20.95.02.04