- (a) All existing structures, operating appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities, and track arrangements shall be exempt from this part except as hereinafter provided.
(b)
- (1) No change in track location or elevation shall thereafter be made which will reduce existing vertical or horizontal structural clearances below the minimum specified in this part.
- (2) See subsection (d) of this section.
(c)
- (1) No repair or maintenance work shall thereafter be done on structures, facilities, or appurtenances adjacent to tracks which will reduce existing vertical or horizontal structural clearance below the minimum specified in this part.
- (2) See subsection (d) of this section.
- (d) As used in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, minimum clearance is described as follows: starting at the center line of track at top of rail and extending five feet six inches (5’ 6”) both sides horizontally and level therewith, thence upward diagonally to a point four feet (4’) above top of rail and eight feet (8’) laterally from center line of track, thence vertically to a point sixteen feet (16’) above top of rail, thence diagonally upward to a point of twenty-two feet no inches (22’ 0”) above top of rail and four feet (4’) horizontally from center of track, thence horizontally to center of track.
- (e) Where an existing structure does not provide clearance equal to the minimum of subsection (d) of this section or such other minima less than that which may be herein specified, the portion of the structure producing the impaired clearance may be repaired and maintained by partial replacements, which shall in no case reduce the clearance available at the time this part takes effect.
- (f) When the owner shall replace in its entirety the portion of a structure which has not previously provided standard clearance, the rebuilt portion must, when complete, provide the full standard clearance of this part, unless otherwise ordered by the State Highway Commission.
(g)
- (1) Existing tracks of all kinds may be maintained by re-ballasting, resurfacing, and replacing rails and ties subject to the limitations of subsection (b) of this section.
- (2) 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 this part both as to track centers and clearance to structures and other facilities being built in connection with and as a part of such plan.
- (3) Existing structures which are to remain and which do not provide the minimum clearance of subsection (d) of this section with respect to the proposed new tracks must be approved by the commission for exemption from the terms of this part.
- (4) Existing tracks having less vertical clearance than that specified in subsection (d) of this section may be maintained but the top of the rail may not be raised without a corresponding raise of the overhead structure so as to maintain the existing available clearance.
- (5) Existing tracks having less horizontal clearance between them than is herein specified for new construction or having less horizontal clearance to structures than is specified in subsection (d) of this section may be maintained but they may not be shifted horizontally to reduce either the existing track centers or the existing structural clearance.
- (h) “Overhead clearance” means the vertical distance from the top of the highest rail to a structure or obstruction above.
- (i) “Side clearance” means the shortest horizontal distance from the center line of track to a structure or obstruction at the side of the track.
- (j) “Track clearance” means the shortest horizontal distance between the center lines of adjacent tracks.
- (k) “Icing platforms”. The term "icing platforms" shall include structures used in performing the service of icing, precooling, heating, ventilating, and servicing of cars used in the handling of commodities requiring the above service.