THE DISPOSAL OF DISCARDED RAILROAD WOOD CROSS TIES. A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES

Historically, approximately 25,000,000 wooden railroad cross ties must be replaced each year. In the past, these ties were usually burned near the point of removal; a number were left in a convenient place and made available to local farmers or homeowners. Two significant changes have occurred which have rendered these disposal methods ineffective. The first change was the adoption and widespread use of the tie saw as a tie removal tool. It was adopted to minimize the disturbance to the roadbed during tie removal and increase the production of tie gangs. It also made the ties, which were now removed in three pieces, practically useless to farmers and homeowners. The second change was the promulgation of pollution control regulations by various governmental bodies. As a result of these regulations, it is not permissible in most States to burn cross ties. Therefore, both methods previously used to dispose of the cross ties removed from track have been rendered unavailable. This means that millions of waste cross ties are accumulating and the annual increments will increase as more attention is placed on upgrading the Nation's roadbeds. This study has explored new disposal methods for discarded cross ties with the most emphasis being given to methods which have the potential for generating revenue. The most promising methods have been developed sufficiently to make it possible for the railroads to use the technology immediately.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Prepared for AAR.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Illinois Central Gulf Railroad

    233 North Michigan Avenue
    Chicago, IL  United States  60601
  • Authors:
    • DOLBY, A J
  • Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 58 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00139440
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 26 1976 12:00AM