OAR 741-315-0010: Track Centers

(1) The following track centers are minimum required distances between the centerlines of tangent tracks: Type of Track — Track Centers: (a) Between main tracks or between a main track and a subsidiary track, other than a ladder track — 15 feet; (b) Between parallel ladder tracks or between ladder tracks and other tracks — 20 feet; (c) Between tangent tracks not otherwise specified — 14 feet. (2) Minimum track centers for curved track constructed prior to April 29, 1983, shall be at least 1/2 inch per degree of curvature greater than that prescribed for tangent tracks. (3) Track centers on tracks for which 14 feet minimum track centers are required on tangent track shall be increased from 14 feet at the rate of 1 1/2 inches per degree of curvature. (4) Track centers on tracks for which 15 feet minimum track centers are required on tangent track shall be increased from 15 feet at the rate of 1 1/2 inches per degree of curvature in excess of eight degrees. (5) The track centers set forth in these rules are minimum requirements established for employee safety. Nothing in these rules shall prohibit a railroad from requiring greater distances. (6) See Figure 315-1 for a diagram of minimum clearances for track centers. [ED. NOTE: Figures referenced are available from the agency.]