What is track width?

Answer 1

Track width is a measurement of the distance between the inner edges of a pair of railway tracks. This measurement is important for determining the load-bearing capacity of the tracks as well as the types and sizes of trains that can use the tracks. The width of the tracks is also important for the maneuverability of the trains as the width of the track will determine the amount of space available in the curves of the track and the degree of curvature that can be achieved.

There are several different ways to measure track width including:

• Standard Gauge (SG) - This is the most common track width in the world and is measured as 4 feet 8.5 inches.
• Broad Gauge (BG) - This is a wider track width and is measured as 5 feet 6 inches.
• Narrow Gauge (NG) - This is a narrower track width and is measured as any width below 4 feet 8.5 inches.
• Mixed Gauge (MG) - This is a combination of both Standard and Broad Gauge tracks on the same line.

The track width is also important for the layout and design of the railway as the width of the track will determine the amount of space available for the construction of the railway as well as the amount of space available for the installation of signals switches and other track infrastructure.