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Loading gauge

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The clearance space between a train and the tunnel is often small. Pictured is a London Underground Northern line 1995 Stock train emerging from the tunnel north of Hendon Central station.

A loading gauge is a diagram or physical structure that defines the maximum height and width dimensions in railway vehicles and their loads. Their purpose is to ensure that rail vehicles can pass safely through tunnels and under bridges, and keep clear of platforms, trackside buildings and structures.[1] Classification systems vary between different countries, and loading gauges may vary across a network, even if the track gauge is uniform.

The term loading gauge can also be applied to the maximum size of road vehicles in relation to tunnels, overpasses and bridges, and doors into automobile repair shops, bus garages, filling stations, residential garages, multi-storey car parks and warehouses.

A related but separate gauge is the structure gauge, which sets limits to the extent that bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure can encroach on rail vehicles. The difference between these two gauges is called the clearance. The specified amount of clearance makes allowance for wobbling of rail vehicles at speed.

  1. ^ "Glossary". NetworkRail.co uk. Network Rail. Archived from the original on 6 May 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2009.

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