The land corridor owned or controlled by a railroad on which its tracks, structures, and facilities are built. Right of way acquisition was historically one of the largest costs of railroad construction. Railroads actively manage ROW for encroachments, environmental compliance, and disposition of surplus land.
The primary high-capacity route of a railroad, characterized by heavy traffic, higher track speeds, and the most sophisticated signaling and infrastructure. Mainlines carry the bulk of a railroad's revenue ton-miles and receive priority in capital investment. They connect major terminals and industrial centers.
An intersection at the same elevation (at-grade) where a road or pathway crosses a railroad track. Grade crossings are protected by warning devices ranging from simple crossbucks to full gates with flashing lights. They are a primary source of railroad accident fatalities and a focus of FRA safety programs.
The distance between the inner faces of the two running rails of a railroad track. North American and most world railroads use standard gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 mm). Gauge determines equipment compatibility and is a fundamental physical standard of the railroad network.