Question for railroaders retired or otherwise or train photograhers. Do the tracks running across railroad bridges always have a set of rails (3ft) on the inside of the standard gauge in the U.S.? I tried Google but didn't have much luck.
Gary
According to my sources bridges over 15 in length are required to have guard rails. As with many things concerning railroads the regulations pertaining to them may have changed over time. The purpose behind them is to keep a derailed truck (bogey) on the bridge. They are typically made of old rail of a lesser size than what is currently installed. They seem to extend approximately a car length beyond the end of the bridge it self, this length was usualy left up to the (civil) engineer in charge of the area. If anyone else knows more please feel free to correct any incorrect information.
