Operation of equipment exceeding the normal weight restriction on bridges

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Hi there,

In a couple of timetables I have read, there are weight restrictions placed on certain freight cars crossing drawbidges/bridges pertaining mostly to 263,000 pound cars.

Wondering if anyone is aware of any companies timetable that have explicit instructions for the operation of freight cars or maintenance/construction equipment exceeding the normal weight restriction on bridges?

This would be applicable mostly on branch lines that use lighter rail (100lb, 115 lb rather than 130lb rail) than mainlines, however heavy equipment may be required for maintenance or heavy freight cars may be occassionally moved on these branch lines.

Thank you.

2

I saw one timetable that stated that any car exceeding 263,000 must be separated from units or any other car exceeding 177,000 by at least 3 cars weighing less than 177,000. This was a older timetable but I have seen spacer cars used before.

dd

3

spacers were sometimes used when double heading, as well, to separate the engines so the combined weight wouldn’t exceed the load limit of bridges and trestles.

4

C & TS (ex-DRGW narrow gage Cumbres Pass) has a bridge that, when the train is a double header, the locomotives must cross the bridge separately.