How come train tracks are like 8ft above the road?

[Arc]

Aren't there supposed to be sensors on the tracks that measure the temp of the bearings every so often? I understand this is then transmitted to HQ or the driver over the radio so they know if there is an issue.

An overheated / on fire wheel bearing was one of the reasons the East Palestine train derailment happened.

I don't know anything about the trains or there systems but it is obvious they have a lot of wheel problems. The tracks I see are along the Ohio river in North east KY. Next summer I will have to take my phone with me when I'm gardening or mowing down there and do some recording.

 

[K-Man]

There is also a safety reason for keeping railroad grades as level as possible: minimizing stopping distances as much as possible and preventing runaway trains. Keep in mind metal wheels on metal rails have a low coefficient of friction, unlike a rubber tire on pavement, so stopping a train with dozens/hundreds of cars in an emergency can take miles even with the wheels locked.

In areas where tracks run close to ground level, especially on spurs, you'll usually see drainage ditches on both sides of the track. Often those ditches are fairly shallow and not noticeable.

 

[oldcodger]

Remember, in 99% of the time the railroad was there first. Anyone wanting an at grade crossing had to build to the railroad grade.

 

[Owen Lucas]

OT but who else would play on the train tracks as a kid?

The smell of the tar as you walked the tracks in the summer, putting pennies, rocks, bricks, logs etc on the tracks, ahhh memories.

No we never derailed a train. The conductor was cool too, sometimes they would stop on a siding and we'd run up and talk to him. Would never let us on board though.

Unfortunately today you can't wander the tracks, as an adult it's trespassing, too bad! I've heard on some older routes you can still find coal on the side of the tracks.

 

[y_p_w]

OT but who else would play on the train tracks as a kid?

The smell of the tar as you walked the tracks in the summer, putting pennies, rocks, bricks, logs etc on the tracks, ahhh memories.

No we never derailed a train. The conductor was cool too, sometimes they would stop on a siding and we'd run up and talk to him. Would never let us on board though.

Unfortunately today you can't wander the tracks, as an adult it's trespassing, too bad! I've heard on some older routes you can still find coal on the side of the tracks.

When I was really young I remember working tracks (ATSF spur line) that went from Oakland to Richmond, California. A big section followed the elevated BART transit route. But there were crossing bars and some of the engineers would wave passing by.

Those tracks remained for quite a while though. Then just the ballast remained, although I'm not sure if the railroad still owned the land. Eventually much of that turned into what's now the Ohlone Greenway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohlone_Greenway

 

[GMFan]

Sorry wrong thread