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Virtually all railroads maintain clearnece diagrams of the restrictive clearances over their lines.  Some do the measuring more regularly than others, to keep them up to date.  These are internal documents, but if a dimensional load is anticipated, the RR will likely share the info with the customer.

We are trying to learn restrictions on CSX track to Savannah terminal - understand there is a restriction but have not been able to get CSX to provide information on where restriction is located and related information.   Is it possible that a state agency may also have similar information

Caspelk02

hi

ESAD, you spamming twit.

On the topic at hand, the DOD used to have some publicly available free clearance info on clearances, but it looks like it is now all password protected, and switching to

Irris, a comercial system.  http://www.irris.com/  

Googling on STRACNET might get you some free,  dated info.  I'm assuming you know the usual commercial sources and don't want to pay until you've got enough info to know if your project is feasible.

Thanks for the information - have sent a request to irris inquiring about a one time search.  Also will see if Milatary Traffic Managment Command can provide any information from STRACNET.    The corridor we have to consider goes through two and three states so would like to have some idea with regard to the location of the restriction prior to engaging a consultant to perform the survey.

gkgreene

Thanks for the information - have sent a request to irris inquiring about a one time search.  Also will see if Milatary Traffic Managment Command can provide any information from STRACNET.    The corridor we have to consider goes through two and three states so would like to have some idea with regard to the location of the restriction prior to engaging a consultant to perform the survey.

I think RICA membership is only 100 bucks a year, but I know how it is at the conceptual phase, when small expenses look a hell of a lot bigger, 'cause the project isn't bringing anything -but- expenses.

gkgreene - If you're having trouble getting any info from the class one's (CSX in your case) try checking with any of the larger short lines or regionals that connect with CSX in the areas that you are asking about.  If they've already been moving dimensional shipments with CSX they might be able to get you the info you need, or point you to the right person that has it.  Just a thought.

Reading through this blog it appears a clearance request has not been processed with CSX.

I would suggest going to the CSX web site and initiate a formal Clearance request.  Upon receipt it usually only takes a few days for CSX to respond yes or no.  CSX does not charge a fee to process a clearance request.

If no then open a dialog with CSX to determine if there are alternatives such as possibly using a Schnabel car to shift around obstructions. 

In my experience I have always found CSX to be very cooperative and  where physically possible works to facilitate clearing a unit..

BBCX is right.  Plus, it should list some contact information for CSX's engineering department, which is who the clearance request will ultimately go to.

Each railroad company maintains clearance information for movement of high and wide cars. Usually after a customer has submitted a proposal to move the high/wide equipment, the railroad runs a clearance request to see if the equipment will clear, and if it can be loaded on other cars to make it clear.

I work in the clearance dept at a class 1, when customers ask for a list of obstructions that they can not clear, we will normally provide that information.

Thanks to all for the information.   I was able to locate a contact with CSX and forwarded a request on March 1.    The reason for the request is planning a heavy lift marine terminal.  Wharf capacity will be greater than any deck capacity of heavy lift ship or barge.  Identified cargo to pursue and logistics makes sense if clearance available

Going back 20 years to when I worked for a Class 1, we used a national publication titled "Railway Line Clearances" by the National Railway Publication Company. This is the same company that published the Official Railway Equipment Register, which listed the physical dimensions of each freight car in service in North America. The clearance book showed height and width restrictions for rail routes across the company for all major carriers. I don't know if NRPC is still in business. A quick Google search indicates no current hits. But surely the info must still be available, probably online, albeit at a fairly high price. "Railway LIne Clearances" cost a couple hundred dollars a year to subscribe, 20 years ago.

Wish I could help more, but maybe this thread will lead you somewhere.

If/when you do get to the point of needing a contractor to perform a current survey of the corridor and specific clearances, there is a relatively new survey technology called Mobile LiDAR that could be beneficial.   Survey occurs on the move from a hi-rail vehicle.   Output is a dense 3D point cloud capable of very precise measurments and characterization of the corridor that can be transformed into 3D CAD drawings.   Quick, relatively low cost and very detailed.