HomeMy WebLinkAboutrrcleranc_00.pdfRAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
IDAPA 31
TITLE 71
CHAPTER 01
31.71.01 - RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES
RULES 0 THROUGH 100. INTRODUCTION
000. Legal Authority (Rule 0).......................................................................................................1
001. Title and Scope (Rule 1).......................................................................................................1
002. Written Interpretations—Agency Guidelines (Rule 2).........................................................1
003. Administrative Appeals (Rule 3)..........................................................................................1
004. Public Records Act Compliance (Rule 4).............................................................................1
005. Definitions (Rule 5)..............................................................................................................1
01. Height of a Freight Car ..................................................................................................1
02. Icing Platform ................................................................................................................2
03. Overhead Clearance .......................................................................................................2
04. Side Clearance ...............................................................................................................2
05. Track Clearance .............................................................................................................2
06. Width of a Freight Car...................................................................................................2
006. Citation (Rule 6)...................................................................................................................2
007. Effective Date—History of Rules (Rule 7)...........................................................................2
008. Exemptions (Rule 8).............................................................................................................2
009. Emergencies (Rule 9)............................................................................................................2
010. Modifications (Rule 10)........................................................................................................3
011.—050. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................3
RULES 51 THROUGH 100—APPLICABILITY OF CLEARANCES
051. Overhead Clearance—Applicability (Rule 51).....................................................................3
052. Exception to Overhead Clearance Rules (Rule 52)..............................................................3
053. Side Clearances (Rule 53).....................................................................................................3
054.—100. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................3
RULES 101 THROUGH 200—SPECIAL PROVISIONS
101. Facilities Existing Before April 1, 1955 (Rule 101).............................................................3
102. Changes in Existing Track (Rule 102)..................................................................................4
103. Repairs to Existing Track (Rule 103)...................................................................................4
104. Existing Structures not Complying with these Rules (Rule 104).........................................4
105. Replacement of Structures not Complying with these Rules (Rule 105).............................4
106. Existing Tracks (Rule 106)...................................................................................................4
107. Existing Tracks not Meeting Clearance Standards (Rule 107).............................................4
108. Engine House and Shop Facilities (Rule 108)......................................................................4
109.—200. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................5
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
RULES 201 THROUGH 300—OVERHEARD CLEARANCES
201. Overhead Clearance in General (Rule 201)..........................................................................5
01. Begun, Installed or Constructed after April 1, 1955......................................................5
02. Begun, Installed or Constructed after September 1, 1980 .............................................5
03. Structures on Main Lines...............................................................................................5
202. Overhead Clearance in Buildings (Rule 202).......................................................................5
203. Overhead Clearance in Tunnels and Bridges (Rule 203)......................................................5
204. Decreases in Overhead Clearances Prescribed in Rule 201 (Rule 204)...............................5
205.—300. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................6
RULES 301 THROUGH 400—SIDE CLEARANCES
301. Side Clearance in General (Rule 301)..................................................................................6
302. Side Clearance at Platforms (Rule 302)................................................................................6
01. Eight Inches ...................................................................................................................6
02. Four Feet........................................................................................................................6
03. Four Feet Six Inches ......................................................................................................6
04. Platforms ........................................................................................................................6
303. Icing Platforms and Supports (Rule 303)..............................................................................6
304. Platforms other than Above (Rule 304)................................................................................6
305. Extension of Existing Platforms (Rule 305).........................................................................7
306. Side Clearance—Bridges and Tunnels (Rule 306)...............................................................7
307. Bridges and Tunnels—Upper Section (Rule 307)................................................................7
308. Bridges—Lower Section and Structures Four Feet High or Less—Guards and Cattle
Chutes—Hand Rails on Bridges and Trestles—Oil Columns—Water Barrels—Water
Columns (Rule 308)..............................................................................................................7
309. Side Clearance Interlocking Mechanism Switch Boxes, etc. (Rule 309).............................7
310. Side Clearance—Mail Cranes and Train Order Stands when not in Operative Position
(Rule 309).............................................................................................................................7
311. Side Clearance—Poles Supporting Trolley Contact (Rule 311)...........................................8
312. Side Clearance—Poles other than Trolley Poles (Rule 312)................................................8
313. Side Clearance Signals and Switch Stands Three Feet High or Less Above the Top
of the Rail (Rule 313)...........................................................................................................8
314. Side Clearance—Signals and Switch Stands other than Above (Rule 314).........................8
315. Side Clearance on Curved Track (Rule 315)........................................................................8
316. Side Clearances—Material or Merchandise Adjacent to Tracks (Rule 316)........................8
317.—400. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................8
RULES 401 THROUGH 500—TRACK CLEARANCES
401. Track Clearances—in General (Rule 401)............................................................................8
402. Track Clearances—Main and Subsidiary Tracks (Rule 402)...............................................9
403. Track Clearances—Parallel Team, House or Industry Tracks (Rule 403)...........................9
404. Track Clearances—Parallel Ladder or Ladder and Other Track (Rule 404)........................9
405. Track Clearances—Existing Track (Rule 405).....................................................................9
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
406.—500. (RESERVED)...........................................................................................................9
RULES 501 THROUGH 600—MARKING OF CARS
501. Cars Exceeding Fifteen Feet Six Inches in Height (Rule 501).............................................9
502. Cars Exceeding Ten Feet Ten Inches in Width (Rule 502)................................................10
503.—600. (RESERVED).........................................................................................................10
RULE 601 THROUGH 700—OPERATIONS
OF EXCESS DIMENSION LOADS
601. Cars Containing Lading in Excess of Fifteen Feet Six Inches High and/or Five Feet
Five Inches from Centerline of Car (Rule 601)..................................................................10
602. Cars Containing Lading which Extends Laterally in Excess of Five Feet Five Inches
(Rule 602)...........................................................................................................................11
603. Movement and Notice of Excess Height and/or Excess Width Cars and Loads
(Rule 603)...........................................................................................................................11
604. Written Notice of Excess Height or Excess Width (Rule 604)...........................................11
605. Notice to Yard Supervisors (Rule 605)...............................................................................11
606. Loads which cannot be Passed Over by Employee (Rule 606)..........................................11
607. Exemptions (Rule 607).......................................................................................................11
608.—999. (RESERVED).........................................................................................................11
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
RULES 0 THROUGH 100. INTRODUCTION
000. LEGAL AUTHORITY (Rule 0).
These rules are adopted under the general authority of the Idaho Public Utilities Law, Chapters
1-7, Title 61, Idaho Code, Chapter 3, Title 62, Idaho Code, and Chapter 12, Title 62, Idaho Code,
and specific authority of Sections 61-110, 61-111, 61-129, 61-302, 61-501, 61-507, 61-510, 61-
512, 61-512, 61-515, 61-517, 62-301 through 62-308, and 62-1201 through 62-1207, Idaho
Code. (7-1-93)
001. TITLE AND SCOPE (Rule 1).
The title of these rules is “Railroad Clearance Rules”. The scope of these rules is that they
determine railroad clearance standards for all railroad track located in Idaho. (7-1-93)
002. WRITTEN INTERPRETATIONS--AGENCY GUIDELINES (Rule 2).
For rulemakings conducted before July 1, 1993, written interpretations to these rules in the form
of explanatory comments accompanying the order of proposed rulemaking and review of
comments submitted in the order adopting these rules are maintained in the files of the Secretary
of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and are available from the office of the Commission
Secretary. The Commission Secretary may be contacted in writing at the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission, PO Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0074, or may be reached by telephone at (208)
334-0300. For rulemakings conducted after July 1, 1993, written interpretations to these rules in
the form of explanatory comments accompanying the notice of proposed rulemaking that
originally proposed the rules and review of comments submitted in the rulemaking decision
adopting these rules are published in the issues of the Idaho Administrative Bulletin proposing or
adopting the rules. (7-1-93)
003. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS (Rule 3).
There are no administrative appeals under these rules. All requests for exemptions or waivers
should be submitted directly to the Commission in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of
Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq. (7-1-93)
004. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT COMPLIANCE (Rule 4).
All requests for waivers of these rules are public records subject to inspection, examination and
copying under the Public Records Act. All informal complaints concerning compliance with
these rules are investigatory records exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act. All
formal complaints concerning compliance with these rules are public records subject to
inspection, examination and copying under the Public Records Act. (7-1-93)
005. DEFINITION (Rule 5).
01. Height of a Freight Car. “Height of a freight car” is the distance between the top of
rail and the highest point of the car. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
02. Icing Platform. “Icing platform” includes structures used in performing the service
of icing, cooling, heating, ventilating and servicing of cars used in the handling of commodities
requiring these services. (7-1-93)
03. Overhead Clearance. “Overhead clearance” is that distance measured along a line
which is perpendicular to and joins a horizontal plane passing through the top of the highest rail
and the lowest point of the structure of obstruction overhead. (7-1-93)
04. Side Clearance. “Side clearance” is the shortest distance from centerline of track to a
structure or obstruction at the side of the track. (7-1-93)
05. Track Clearance. “Track clearance” is the shortest horizontal distance between the
centerlines of adjacent tracks. (7-1-93)
06. Width of a Freight Car. “Width of a freight car” is twice the distance from the
center line of the car to its extreme outside part. (7-1-93)
006. CITATION (Rule 6).
The official citation of these rules is IDAPA 31.71.01.000 et seq. For example, this rule is cited
as IDAPA 31.71.01.006. In documents submitted to the Commission or issued by the
Commission, these rules may be cited by their short title of Railroad Clearance Rules (RRCR)
and the parenthetical rule number. For example, this rule may be cited as RRCR 6. (7-1-93)
007. EFFECTIVE DATE--HISTORY OF RULES (Rule 7).
The Commission adopted predecessors to these rules in 1955. They were most recently codified
at IDAPA 31.E. They were readopted and reformatted by rulemaking decision in Docket
Number 31-7101-9301, effective July 1, 1993. The history of rulemaking proceedings preceding
the initiation of the publishing of the Idaho Administrative Bulletin and the Idaho Administrative
Code is available from the Commission Secretary. (7-1-93)
008. EXEMPTIONS (Rule 8).
Exemptions from any of the requirements of these rules will be considered by the Commission
upon proper application or notice from the carriers, industries, or other interested persons. An
application for exemption must be accompanied by a full statement of the conditions existing and
the reasons why the exemption is requested. Any exemption granted shall be limited to the
particular case covered by the application. (7-1-93)
009. EMERGENCIES (Rule 9).
No restricted clearance in these rules shall apply to falsework, shoo-fly tracks, or other
temporary emergency conditions caused by derailments, wash-outs, slides, or other unavoidable
accidents or disasters. No restricted clearance in these rules shall apply to ballast, track material
or construction material unloaded on and adjacent to tracks for use there or in the immediate
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
vicinity, nor shall it apply to false work or temporary construction necessary on any construction
project. (7-1-93)
010. MODIFICATIONS (Rule 10).
The Commission reserves the right to modify, in accordance with its Rules of Procedure, IDAPA
31.01.01.000 et seq., any of the provisions of these rules. (7-1-93)
011. -- 050. (RESERVED).
RULES 51 THROUGH 100 - APPLICABILITY OF CLEARANCES
051. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE--APPLICABILITY (Rule 51).
Overhead clearances authorized in these rules are applicable to tracks on which freight cars
having a height from the top of the rail to the highest point of the car of fifteen feet six inches
(15’6”) or less are transported. In the case of cars or loads exceeding fifteen feet six inches
(15’6”), the overhead clearance provisions and excess height provisions of Rules 501 through
502 and 601 through 607 must be complied with unless the railroad prohibits its personnel from
occupying the top of freight cars in train service. (7-1-93)
052. EXCEPTION TO OVERHEAD CLEARANCE RULES (Rule 52).
Overhead impairments will be granted without application or a hearing upon consent of the
operating railroad, provided that the National Electric Safety Code, as adopted by this
Commission at the time in question, is not violated. Overhead impairments created by the
railroad, not violating the National Electrical Safety Code, as adopted by this Commission at the
time in question, will not require a variance from this Commission. Notice of the impairment and
condition must be given to the Commission by letter. (7-1-93)
053. SIDE CLEARANCES (Rule 53).
Side clearances authorized in these rules are applicable to tracks on which freight cars having an
overall width not greater than ten feet ten inches (10’10”) are transported. In the case of cars or
loads exceeding ten feet ten inches (10’10”), Rules 501 through 502 and 601 through 607 must
be complied with. (7-1-93)
054. -- 100. (RESERVED).
RULES 101 THROUGH 200 - SPECIAL PROVISIONS
101. FACILITIES EXISTING BEFORE APRIL 1, 1955 (Rule 101).
All structures, operating appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements
existing before April 1, 1955, shall be exempt from these rules except as provided by these rules.
(7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
102. CHANGES IN EXISTING TRACKS (Rule 102).
No change in track location or elevation shall be made which will reduce existing vertical or
horizontal structural clearance below the minimums specified in these rules. (7-1-93)
103. REPAIRS TO EXISTING STRUCTURES (Rule 103).
No repair or maintenance work shall be done on structures, facilities or appurtenances adjacent
to tracks which will reduce existing vertical or horizontal structural clearance below the
minimum specified in these rules. (7-1-93)
104. EXISTING STRUCTURES NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE RULES (Rule 104).
Where a structure existing before April 1, 1955, does not provide clearance equal to the
minimum that is required by these rules, the portion of the structure producing the impaired
clearance may be repaired and maintained by partial replacements. In no case shall the clearance
available after April 1, 1955, be reduced. (7-1-93)
105. REPLACEMENT OF STRUCTURES NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE RULES
(Rule 105).
When the owner shall replace it its entirety the portion of a structure which does not meet the
clearance standards of these rules, the rebuilt portion must meet the full standard clearance of
these rules unless otherwise ordered by the Commission. (7-1-93)
106. EXISTING TRACKS (Rule 106).
Existing tracks of all kinds may be maintained by reballasting, resurfacing and replacing rails
and ties. Where existing yards are completely replaced or are partially replaced as a unit or
section of a master plan, the arrangement must meet the provisions of these rules both as to track
centers and clearance to structures and other facilities being built in connection with and as a part
of such plan. Existing structures which are to remain and which do not provide the minimum
clearance with respect to the proposed new tracks must be approved by the Commission for
exemption from the terms of these rules. (7-1-93)
107. EXISTING TRACKS NOT MEETING CLEARANCE STANDARDS (Rule 107).
Tracks laid before April 1, 1955, having less vertical clearance than required by the rules may be
maintained, but the top of rail may not be raised without raising the overhead structure an equal
distance to maintain the existing available clearance. Tracks laid before April 1, 1955, having
less horizontal clearance between them than required by these rules for new construction, or
having less horizontal clearance to structures than required by these rules, may be maintained,
but they may not be shifted horizontally to reduce either the existing track centers or the existing
structural clearance. (7-1-93)
108. ENGINE HOUSE AND SHOP FACILITIES (Rule 108).
The clearances provided in these rules shall not apply to railroad’s engine houses, engine house
facilities and shop buildings. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
109. -- 200. (RESERVED).
RULES 201 THROUGH 300 - OVERHEAD CLEARANCES
201. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN GENERAL (Rule 201).
The allowable clearances are: (7-1-93)
01. Begun, Installed or Constructed After April 1, 1955. For structures, operating
appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements begun, installed or
constructed after April 1, 1955, and before September 1, 1980 twenty-two feet six inches
(22’6”). (7-1-93)
02. Begun, Installed or Constructed After September 1, 1980. For structures,
operating appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements begun, installed or
constructed after September 1, 1980, the vertical clearance required by the owner of the railroad
tracks or twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”), whichever is greater. (4-5-00)
03. Structures on Main Lines. For structures on main lines identified by railroad for
possible electrification: (7-1-93)
a. At twenty-five (25) kilovolts twenty-four feet three inches (24’3”); or (7-1-93)
b. At fifty (50) kilovolts twenty-six (26’) feet. (7-1-93)
[Amended, G.O. 199.]
202. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN BUILDINGS (Rule 202).
The general rule is that side clearances must be at least eighteen (18’) feet. The overhead
clearance inside an entirely enclosed building may be reduced to eighteen (18’) feet, provided
that this clearance shall apply only to tracks terminating within the building or in the immediate
plant area if the track extends through the building, and further provided, that when an overhead
clearance in the building is less than twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”), all cars, locomotives or
other equipment shall be brought to a stop before entering the enclosed building. (7-1-93)
203. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN TUNNELS AND BRIDGES (Rule 203).
Minimum overhead clearance in tunnels and through bridges may be decreased to the extent
defined by the half-circumference of a circle having a radius of eight (8’) feet and tangent to a
horizontal line twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”) above top of rail at a point directly above the
centerline of track. (7-1-93)
204. DECREASES IN OVERHEAD CLEARANCES PRESCRIBED IN RULE 201 (Rule
204).
Minimum overhead clearance as prescribed in Rule 201 may be decreased to the extent defined
by the half-circumference of a circle having a radius of eight feet six inches (8’6”) and tangent to
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
a horizontal line at the height prescribed by Rule 201 above the top of rail at a point directly over
the centerline of track. (7-1-93)
205. -- 300. (RESERVED).
RULES 301 THROUGH 400 - SIDE CLEARANCES
301. SIDE CLEARANCE IN GENERAL (Rule 301).
The general rule is that side clearances must be at least eight feet six inches (8’6”). To further
reduce operational hazards, it is recommended that, wherever practicable, all posts, pipes,
warning signals and other small obstructions be given a side clearance of ten (10) feet. (7-1-93)
302. SIDE CLEARANCE AT PLATFORMS (Rule 302).
01. Eight Inches. Eight (8”) inches or less above top of rail……….……four feet eight
inches (4’8”). (7-1-93)
02. Four Feet. Four (4’) feet or less above top of rail............….......seven feet three
inches (7’3”). (7-1-93)
03. Four Feet Six Inches. Four feet six inches (4’6”) or less above top of rail when used
principally for loading or unloading refrigerator cars if constructed after April 1, 1955, but before
September 1, 1980..........eight (8) feet, if constructed after September 1, 1980...............eight feet
six inches (8’6”). (7-1-93)
04. Platforms. Platforms complying with Subsection 302.01 of this rule may be
combined with those complying with Subsections 302.02 and 302.03, provided that the lower
platform presents a level surface from a point not more than four feet eight inches (4’8”) from
centerline of track to the face of the wall of the platform with which it is combined. No other
combinations will be permitted. (7-1-93)
303. ICING PLATFORMS AND SUPPORTS (Rule 303).
The general rule is that icing platforms and supports must have side clearances of at least six feet
eight inches (6’8”). The dimension of six feet eight inches (6’8”) shall apply to the platform at
eave height of car. The supports of this platform shall provide clearance of eight (8’) feet if
constructed after April 1, 1955, but before September 1, 1980, and eight feet six inches (8’6”) if
constructed after September 1, 1980. (7-1-93)
304. PLATFORMS OTHER THAN ABOVE (Rule 304).
The general rule is that platforms not listed in earlier rules must have side clearance of at least
eight feet six inches (8’6”). Retractable platforms, either sliding or hinged, which are attached to
a permanent structure must be so constructed that, when retracted or in nonworking position and
firmly secured or anchored, the resulting clearance shall not be less than the clearances provided
in these rules. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
305. EXTENSION OF EXISTING PLATFORMS (Rule 305).
Platforms which were constructed at prevailing clearances or clearances then authorized by this
Commission’s rules may be extended at existing clearances. (7-1-93)
306. SIDE CLEARANCE--BRIDGES AND TUNNELS (Rule 306).
The general rule is that side clearances for bridges and tunnels must be at least eight (8’) feet.
(7-1-93)
307. BRIDGES AND TUNNELS--UPPER SECTION (Rule 307).
Side clearance in through bridges and tunnels may be decreased to the extent defined by the half
circumference of a circle having a radius of eight (8’) feet and tangent to a horizontal line
twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”) above top of rail directly above centerline of track. See Rule
203. (7-1-93)
308. BRIDGES--LOWER SECTION AND STRUCTURES FOUR FEET HIGH OR
LESS—GUARDS AND CATTLE CHUTES--HAND RAILS ON BRIDGES AND
TRESTLES--OIL COLUMNS—WATER BARRELS--WATER COLUMNS (Rule 308).
Through bridges supporting track affected, hand rails, water barrels and refuge platforms on
bridges and trestles, water columns, oil columns, block signals, cattle guards and cattle chutes, or
portions thereof, four (4’) feet or less above top of rail, may have clearances decreased to the
extent defined by a line extending diagonally upward from a point level with the top of rail and
five (5’) feet distance laterally from centerline of track to a point four (4) feet above top of rail
and eight (8’) feet distant laterally from centerline of track: Provided that the minimum clearance
for hand rails and water barrels shall be seven feet six inches (7’6”) and the minimum clearance
for fences of cattle guards shall be five feet nine inches (5’9”). Unless previously approved, the
clearances authorized in this rule, except as provided for hand rails and water barrels, are not
permitted on through bridges where the work of trainmen or yardmen requires them to be upon
the decks of such bridges for the purpose of coupling or uncoupling cars in the performance if
switching service on a switching lead. (7-1-93)
309. SIDE CLEARANCE INTERLOCKING MECHANISM SWITCH BOXES, ETC.
(Rule 309).
The minimum side clearance for interlocking mechanism switch boxes, etc., is three (3’) feet.
Switch boxes, switch operating mechanism necessary for the control and operation of signals and
interlocks projecting four (4”) inches or less above top of rail. (7-1-93)
310. SIDE CLEARANCE--MAIL CRANES AND TRAIN ORDER STANDS WHEN NOT
IN OPERATIVE POSITION (Rule 310).
The minimum side clearance for mail cranes and train order stands when not in operative
condition is eight feet six inches (8’6”). (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
311. SIDE CLEARANCE--POLES SUPPORTING TROLLEY CONTACT (Rule 311).
The minimum side clearance for poles with conductors supplying motive power to track
affected--of bracket construction is eight feet three inches (8’3”). (7-1-93)
312. SIDE CLEARANCE--POLES OTHER THAN TROLLEY POLES (Rule 312).
The minimum side clearance for poles other than trolley poles is eight feet six inches (8’6”). The
clearance for poles other than trolley poles provided in the National Electrical Safety Code, as
adopted by this Commission at the time in question, shall be governed by the provisions of the
Code. (7-1-93)
313. SIDE CLEARANCE SIGNALS AND SWITCH STANDS THREE FEET HIGH OR
LESS ABOVE THE TOP OF THE RAIL (Rule 313).
The minimum height of signals and switch stands when located between tracks where not
practicable to provide clearances otherwise prescribed in these rules is at least six (6’) feet.
(7-1-93)
314. SIDE CLEARANCE--SIGNALS AND SWITCH STANDS OTHER THAN ABOVE
(Rule 314).
The minimum side clearance for signals and switch stands other than above is at least eight (8’)
feet. (7-1-93)
315. SIDE CLEARANCE ON CURVED TRACK (Rule 315).
Side clearances on all structures adjacent to curved track shall be increased as necessary to give
the equivalent of tangent track clearances. As a general rule, the side clearance on curved track
should be increased one and one-half inches (1 1/2”) for each degree of curvature. (7-1-93)
316. SIDE CLEARANCES--MATERIAL OR MERCHANDISE ADJACENT TO
TRACKS (Rule 316).
No merchandise, material or other articles shall be placed or stored on the ground or platforms
adjacent to any track at a distance less than eight feet six inches (8’6”) from the centerline of
track, except in cases of maintenance or emergency when such material is to be used within a
reasonable period of time or where local conditions make compliance with this rule impossible.
(7-1-93)
317. -- 400. (RESERVED).
RULES 401 THROUGH 500 - TRACK CLEARANCES
401. TRACK CLEARANCES--IN GENERAL (Rule 401).
The minimum distance between the center line of parallel standard gauge railroad tracks, which
are used or proposed to be used for transporting cars, engines, motors or like equipment, shall be
fourteen (14’) feet, except as otherwise prescribed in these rules. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
402. TRACK CLEARANCES--MAIN AND SUBSIDIARY TRACKS (Rule 402).
The centerline of any standard gauge track, except a main track or a passing track, parallel and
adjacent to a main track or a passing track shall be at least fifteen (15’) feet from the centerline
of such main track or passing track; provided, however, that where a passing track is adjacent to
and at least fifteen (15’) feet distant from the main track, any other track may be constructed
adjacent to such passing track width clearance prescribed in Rule 401. (7-1-93)
403. TRACK CLEARANCES--PARALLEL TEAM, HOUSE OR INDUSTRY TRACKS
(Rule 403).
Minimum clearances between centerlines of parallel team, house or industry tracks shall be
thirteen (13’) feet. (7-1-93)
404. TRACK CLEARANCES--PARALLEL LADDER OR LADDER AND OTHER
TRACK (Rule 404).
The centerline of any standard gauge ladder track, constructed parallel to any other track, shall
have a clearance of not less than twenty (20’) feet from the centerline of such other track.
(7-1-93)
405. TRACK CLEARANCES--EXISTING TRACKS (Rule 405).
Existing tracks laid at prevailing clearances then authorized by this Commission’s rules may be
extended at these clearances. (7-1-93)
406. -- 500. (RESERVED).
RULES 501 THROUGH 600 - MARKING OF CARS
501. CARS EXCEEDING FIFTEEN FEET SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT (Rule 501).
Each car of a height exceeding fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) from top of rail to the highest point
of the car, the movement of which is authorized by these rules, shall be marked, stenciled or
placarded, and such markings maintained in a legible condition to read:
This Car
EXCESS
HEIGHT
The words “EXCESS HEIGHT” must occupy the greater portion of a rectangular space seven by
ten inches (7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border. The markings
required shall be made permanent on owned cars before their use. Lettering and border of signs
shall be of colors contrasting to that of the car body. All such required marking and placarding
shall be placed on the side adjacent to the ladder or handholds near the floor line of the car at
each of the four (4) corners. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
502. CARS EXCEEDING TEN FEET TEN INCHES IN WIDTH (Rule 502).
Each car of a width exceeding ten feet ten inches (10’10”), the movement of which is authorized
by these rules, shall be marked, stenciled or placarded, and such markings maintained in a legible
condition to read:
This Car
EXCESS
WIDTH
The words “EXCESS WIDTH” must occupy the greater portion of a rectangular space seven by
ten inches (7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border. The markings
required shall be made permanent on owned cars before their use. Lettering and border of signs
shall be of colors contrasting to that of the car body. All such required marking and placarding
shall be placed on the side or end adjacent to the ladder or handholds near the floor line of the car
at each of the four (4) corners. (7-1-93)
503. -- 600. (RESERVED).
RULES 601 THROUGH 700 - OPERATIONS
OF EXCESS DIMENSION LOADS
601. CARS CONTAINING LADING IN EXCESS OF FIFTEEN FEET SIX INCHES
HIGH AND/OR FIVE FEET FIVE INCHES FROM CENTERLINE OF CAR (Rule 601).
Each open-top car containing lading of height exceeding fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) above top
of rail, or which extends laterally more than five feet five inches (5’5”) from the centerline of the
car, the movement of which is authorized by these rules, shall be marked, stenciled or placarded,
and such marking maintained in a legible condition to read:
This car This car
EXCESS and/or EXCESS
HEIGHT WIDTH
The words “EXCESS HEIGHT” and/or “EXCESS WIDTH” must occupy the greater portion of
a space seven by ten inches (7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border.
Letters and border shall be of colors contrasting to the car body. These required markings and
placarding shall be placed on the side or end adjacent to the ladder or handholds near the floor
line of the car at each of the four (4) corners where practicable, and in addition one of these signs
shall be placed on each side of the load in a conspicuous position before the car is used. (7-1-93)
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RAILROAD CLEARANCE RULES IDAPA 31.71.01
602. CARS CONTAINING LADING WHICH EXTENDS LATERALLY IN EXCESS OF
FIVE FEET FIVE INCHES (Rule 602).
The movement of open-top cars containing lading which extends laterally in excess of five feet
five inches (5’5”) is authorized if the lading is of such a nature that it cannot practically be
reduced in dimensions. (7-1-93)
603. MOVEMENT AND NOTICE OF EXCESS HEIGHT AND/OR EXCESS WIDTH
CARS AND LOADS (Rule 603).
The movement of all open-top cars having lading in excess of fifteen feet six (15’6”) inches in
height, or which extends laterally in excess of five feet five inches (5’5”) from centerline of car,
will be authorized by written notice to the train crew stating the total number of such cars, and
specifying that no member of the train crew will ride on top of such high car or the side of any
such wide car. (7-1-93)
604. WRITTEN NOTICE OF EXCESS HEIGHT OR EXCESS WIDTH Rule 604).
A written notice shall be delivered to every train containing any car, the lading of which extends
laterally in excess of five feet five inches (5’5”) from the centerline of the car or which is in
excess of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) in height above top of rails, informing the crew of the
train that the train includes such car or cars, stating the total number of these cars and advising
that no member of the train crew will ride on the side of any such wide car or the top of any such
high car. (7-1-93)
605. NOTICE TO YARD SUPERVISORS (Rule 605).
Yard supervisors shall be notified sufficiently in advance of the arrival of such wide loads as
described in Rule 603 as to enable them to take necessary precautions to safeguard employees in
yard. (7-1-93)
606. LOADS WHICH CANNOT BE PASSED OVER BY EMPLOYEES (Rule 606).
Open-top cars containing lading having an overall height in excess of fifteen feet six inches
(15’6”) above top of rail or a width which extends laterally in excess of five feet five inches
(5’5”), if otherwise in compliance with these requirements, and the nature of which precludes the
possibility of employees passing over the cars, are exempt from the provisions of Rules 603, 604
and 605, but written notice must be given to all members of the train crew informing them of the
presence of such loads. (7-1-93)
607. EXEMPTIONS (Rule 607).
The common carrier railroads are authorized to move excess height loads and excess width
loads, as described in Rule 601, over roads or portions thereof, without complying with the
provisions of Rule 6, provided that clearances equivalent to the minimum prescribed by these
rules for cars having a height of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) and width of ten feet ten inches
(10’10”) are maintained. (7-1-93)
608. -- 999. (RESERVED).
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