(a)

1. (1)

   1. (A) Side clearance in general: eight feet six inches (8' 6").
   2. (B) Note. It is recommended that, wherever practicable, all posts, pipes, warning signs, and other small obstructions be given a side clearance of ten feet (10’).

2. (2)

   1. (A) Side clearance may be reduced to comply with subsection (k) of this section.
   2. (B) Side clearances at platforms – Note. Following clearances to apply to both main line and side tracks unless otherwise indicated.
3. (3) Engine houses, shop buildings, and passenger platforms, at car floor height, are exempt from this section.

(c)

1. (1) Platforms: four feet (4’) or less above top of rail except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Freight platforms on side tracks: five feet nine inches (5’ 9") or eight feet no inches (8' 0").
   2. (B)

(i) No intermediate clearance permitted, except compensation for curvature.

1. (ii) See subsection (u) of this section.

   1. (C) If side clearance is reduced to five feet nine inches (5’ 9”) on one side, a full clearance of eight feet no inches (8’ 0”) shall be maintained on the opposite side.

   2. (D) Freight platforms on main line tracks or eight feet six inches (8' 6") passing tracks.

      1. (d)
2. (1) Platforms: more than four feet (4’) above top of rail.
3. (2) On side tracks: eight feet no inches (8' 0").
4. (3) On main line and passing tracks: eight feet six inches (8' 6").

(e)

1. (1) Icing platforms and supports: six feet eight inches (6' 8").
2. (2) Limited to side tracks only.
3. (3) The dimension of six feet eight inches (6’ 8”) shall apply to the platform at eave height on car.
4. (4) The supports of this platform shall provide clearance of eight feet (8’).

(f)

1. (1) Platforms, other than above: eight feet no inches (8' 0").
2. (2) Side tracks only.
3. (3) Note. Retractable platforms, either sliding or hinged, which are attached to a permanent structure, must be so constructed that, when retracted or in a nonworking position and firmly secured or anchored, the resulting clearance shall not be less than the clearances provided in this section.

(g)

1. (1) Platforms, combination of any above: see subdivision (g)(2) of this section.
2. (2) Note. Platforms defined under subsection (b) of this section may be combined with either subsection (c) or (d) of this section provided that the lower platform presents a level surface to the face of the wall of the platform with which it is combined.
3. (3) No other combinations will be permitted.

(h)

1. (1) Platforms, extension of existing platforms: see subdivision (h)(2) of this section.

2. (2) Note. Platforms which were constructed at prevailing clearances prior to the effective date of this part may be extended at existing clearances.

   1. (i) Side clearance, bridges and tunnels: eight feet no inches (8' 0").

(k)

1. (1) Bridges, lower section and structures: four feet (4’) high or less.
2. (2) Through bridges supporting tract affected, hand rails, water barrels, and refuge platforms on bridges and trestles, water columns, oil columns, block signals, cattle guards, or portions thereof, four feet (4’) or less above top of rail may have clearances decreased to the extent defined by a line extending diagonally upward from a point level with the top of rail and five feet six inches (5’ 6”) distant laterally from center line of track to a point four feet (4’) above top of rail and eight feet (8’) distant laterally from center line of track.

3. (3) Note. The clearances authorized in this subsection are not permitted on through bridges where the work of trainmen and yardmen require them to be upon the decks of such bridges for the purpose of coupling or uncoupling cars in the performance of switching service on a switching lead.

   1. (l)
4. (1) Side clearance, interlocking mechanism, switch boxes, etc.: three feet no inches (3' 0").

5. (2) Switch boxes, switch operation mechanism necessary for the control and operation of signals, and interlockers projecting four inches (4”) or less above top of rail.

   1. (m)
6. (1) Side clearance, mail cranes and train order stands: eight feet six inches (8' 6").
7. (2) When not in operative position.

(n)

1. (1) Side clearance, oil and water columns: eight feet no inches (8' 0").
2. (2) See subsection (k) of this section or eight feet (8’).

(p)

1. (1) Side clearance, poles other than trolley poles: eight feet six inches (8' 6").
2. (2) Note. Except that the clearance for poles, other than trolley poles, covered by and designated in the National Electrical Safety Code, as published by the United States Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, and any revision or amendment thereof or thereto, shall be governed by the provisions and the exceptions set forth in said code or in any such revision or amendment, relating to clearances for such poles from railroad tracks.

(q)

1. (1) Side clearance, signals and switch stands: six feet no inches (6' 0").
2. (2) Three feet (3’) high or less above top of rail when located between tracks or where not practicable to provide clearances otherwise prescribed in this part.

(r)

1. (1) Side clearance, signals and switch stands other than above: eight feet three inches (8' 3").
2. (2) Switch stands over three feet (3’) high.
3. (3) Signals and signal poles higher than three feet (3’) above top of rail shall have the portions thereof higher than four feet (4’) above top of rail and less than sixteen feet (16’) above top of rail eight feet six inches (8’ 6”) from the center of track.

(s)

1. (1) In buildings and entrances thereto, at doors: seven feet no inches (7' 0").
2. (2) Inside of buildings, clearance may be reduced on one (1) side of the track to five feet nine inches (5’ 9”) provided eight feet (8’) is maintained on the opposite side.

(t)

1. (1) Side clearance, doors.
2. (2) Warehouse doors: seven feet no inches (7' 0").
3. (3) Side clearance at doors may be reduced to five feet nine inches (5’ 9”) on one (1) side of track only, provided a full clearance of eight feet three inches (8’ 3”) is maintained on the opposite side.

(u)

1. (1) Side clearance on curved track.
2. (2) The horizontal clearances specified herein relate to tracks on tangent.

3. (3) On curved track, the clearances shall be increased to allow for the overhang and the tilting of a car eighty-five feet (85’) long, sixty feet (60’) between centers of trucks, and fourteen feet (14’) high.

   1. (v) Side clearance, material or merchandise and other articles adjacent to tracks: eight feet six inches (8’ 6”).