Trains
Trains
Trains
6 Infrastructure[edit]
Map of world railway network as of
2022
7 Right-of-way[edit]
Main article: Right-of-way (property access)
Railway tracks are laid upon land owned or leased by the railway company. Owing to the
desirability of maintaining modest grades, in hilly or mountainous terrain rails will often be laid in
circuitous routes . Route length and grade requirements can be reduced by the use of
alternating cuttings, bridges and tunnels – all of which can greatly increase the capital
expenditures required to develop a right-of-way, while significantly reducing operating costs and
allowing higher speeds on longer radius curves. In densely urbanised areas, railways are
sometimes laid in tunnels to minimise the effects on existing properties.
8 Track[edit]
Main article: Track
Left: Railway turnouts; Right: Chicago Transit Authority control box guides elevated Chicago 'L' north and
southbound Purple and Brown lines intersecting with east and westbound Pink and Green lines and the
looping Orange line above the Wells and Lake street intersection in the loop at an elevated right of way.