I was just reading the post thread about speed limits and saw the different “classes” of track mentioned. Does anybody know what “class” of track the BNSF triple track “racetrack” from Chicago to Aurora is considered? Also, how about the C&I subdivision and also the Galesburg line? Thanks.
That’s all 79 mph or less for passenger? If so, it has to be class 4 minimum-- but if freights are allowed more than 60 it has to be class 5, doesn’t it?
The Racetrack is basically 70 mph for passenger. Freights are allowed 45 m.p.h. east of Downers Grove, 50 west of there. Class 4 will cover that.
UP, OTOH, allows both freights and passenger trains to travel at 70 at points west of Elmhurst–that means Class 5. There’s potential there, because of the ATC, for even higher speeds with relatively little work.
Thanks for the info. guys.
Quote by: CShaveRR:
Not too many freights are going to approach 70mph between Elmhurst and Geneva on the UP due to all of the curves, the “J” crossing at W. Chicago and a couple of dips at river crossings. I don’t think that the Metra scoot express trains can hold 70mph. Backed-up eastbound traffic waiting to get into a yard also slows things down.
CC
No argument there–except that the express scoots can and do reach 70 where it’s allowed (which isn’t over the J at West Chicago or the curves between Glen Ellyn and Wheaton).
However, the timetable allows freight trains 70 in a lot of places, so that’s what the track has to be maintained for (as CNW found out in Glen Ellyn back in 1976–the train couldn’t make timetable speed on Pennsylvania Avenue, either).
And the curves on this line (except between Glen Ellyn and Wheaton) have no timetable restrictions on them–even the fabled “Dead Man’s Curve” west of Finley Road is 70/70 (it was eased from its previous alignment when 355 went through). Some of the superelevation is pretty incredible.
I agree, though, it’s just terrible when a railroad has more business than it can efficiently handle. Practical answers welcomed!