How Far Apart Are Railroad Tracks?

The distance between the rails on railroad tracks, referred to as the gauge, plays a crucial role in determining the type and size of trains that can operate on a particular track. This guide will explore the different gauges used around the world, providing a detailed understanding of how far apart railroad tracks typically are, with a specific focus on historical and contemporary practices.

The Standard Gauge

The standard gauge for railroad tracks, which is approximately 1435 mm (4 feet 8.1 inches), was established by the United States in the 19th century. This gauge is now used by approximately 60% of the world's rail network. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, have also adopted this standard gauge.

Examples of Different Gauges

India, for instance, uses four prominent gauges:

Broad Gauge (BG): 1676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Metre Gauge (MG): 1000 mm (3 ft 3 3/8 in) Narrow Gauge: 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) and 610 mm (2 ft) Standard Gauge: 1435 mm (4 ft 8.1 in)

The United States, on the other hand, primarily uses the standard gauge for its rail networks. The distance between the rails is officially 4 feet 8.1 inches. This gauge is also used in many other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and much of continental Europe.

Historical Context

Historically, different countries and regions have developed unique gauges based on their specific needs and engineering practices. For example, the US standard gauge of 4 feet 8.1 inches (1435 mm) was chosen to match the width of Roman chariots and the UK’s dray vehicles, which were common in the 19th century.

Other gauges that were once in use but have since been phased out include:

Older Rail Gauges: Smaller and larger gauges existed in the past, often for specialized purposes. For instance, some narrow-gauge railways were used in mountainous areas, while wider gauges like the 7 foot gauge were used in certain regions of the United States.

Modern Track Spacing Standards

Modern practices in the United States have standardized track spacing to ensure safety and efficiency. In most cases, standard double-track lines are spaced at least 14 feet apart, allowing for 4 feet of clearance—2 feet on each side. Though, some very modern double-track lines have been spaced at 25 feet to accommodate maintenance work without disrupting train traffic.

Yard tracks, where switching operations are conducted, may be spaced as close as 13 feet. However, switching yard tracks must allow for at least 3 feet of clearance between cars on each track to enable trainmen to walk safely between tracks.

Conclusion

Understanding the distances between railroad tracks is critical for ensuring safe and efficient rail operations. While the standard gauge of 4 feet 8.1 inches is widely used, the actual distance between tracks can vary based on the specific type of track, its usage, and the region it serves.

References:

Wikipedia: Railway gauge Railways Australia: Track Measurement Rail Europe Group: Measurement in the Railway System