Code of Maine Rules › 17 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › 229 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - GENERAL › Chapter 501 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR RAILROAD CLEARANCE › Section 229-501-04 - SIDE CLEARANCES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
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:
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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.