Right of Way

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I was wondering how much land a railroad owns either side of the tracks?

I live near the BNSF near Tomball Texas which is a single track.

What is the usual amount in feet on either side that most railroads own.

Curious,

Mark

2

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=26482

3

Interesting link to an interesting discussion, Eric

4

The most common right of way is 100 feet wide with 50 feet on either side of the center line of the main track. There is much variation though. In cuts and fills you will find extra wide right of way so that the construction stays within the right of way. In towns the right of way can be 200 or 300 feet wide with the extra width being available for lease to industries. Over the years much of the extra width property in towns has been sold to the lessees with the railroad retaining a 100 foot right of way. Larry