AUTHORITY: Implementing Section 18c-7401 and authorized by Section 18c-1202(9) of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law [625 ILCS 5/18c-7401 and 18c-1202(9)].

SOURCE: Adopted October 14, 1920, amended May 14, 1969; codified at 8 Ill. Reg. 13672; Part recodified at 10 Ill. Reg. 18001; amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987; amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005.

SUBPART A: GENERAL RULES

 

Section 1500.10  Scope

 

a)         This Part prescribes minimum track centers, and minimum horizontal and vertical clearances applicable to tracks, structures, fixtures, and other appurtenances of "railroads."  The term "railroad' means track and associated structures, including bridges, tunnels, switches, spurs, terminals and other facilities, and equipment, including engines, freight cars, passenger cars, cabooses, and other equipment, used in the transportation of property or passengers by rail [625 ILCS 5/18c-1104(31)].

 

b)         This Part applies to all new construction and to the reconstruction of "railroads" carried on after the date on which this Part becomes effective.

 

c)         Nothing herein contained prohibits any "railroad" from constructing its tracks, bridges, buildings and other structures with clearances greater than required by this Part.  Where conditions apparently make it impracticable to comply with this Part, a formal petition for permission to maintain reduced clearances shall be made to the Illinois Commerce Commission ("Commission").

 

d)         Unless otherwise stated all horizontal distances are measured at right angles to the vertical plane passing through the centerline of the track.

 

e)         Railroad-Highway Bridge Clearance refers to the vertical clearance between the top of rail of a track and the lowest point of the structural members that carry a highway bridge over a railroad track.  For new and reconstructed highway bridges spanning railroad tracks, clearance requirements outlined in the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association Manual for Railway Engineering (2004 Edition) ("AREMA Manual") shall be followed when determining vertical clearance.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.15  Incorporations by Reference

 

The following standards of private and professional organizations are referenced in this Part:

 

a)         Manual for Railway Engineering, 2004 Edition, published by:

 

                 American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association

8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1125

Landover MD  20785

(301)459-3200

 

b)        National Electric Safety Code, 2002 Edition, published by:

 

Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers

Corporate Office

3 Park Avenue, 17^th Floor

New York NY  10016-5997

(217)419-7900

 

c)         No incorporation by reference in this Part includes any later amendment or edition beyond the date stated.

 

(Source:  Added at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.20  General Requirements

 

a)         Compensation for Curvature.  The horizontal clearances prescribed in this Section are for tangent tracks.  For curved tracks, clearance requirements outlined in the AREMA Manual shall be maintained.

 

b)         Compensation for Superelevation.  The vertical and horizontal clearances herein prescribed are for tracks where the tops of the rails are at the same level.  Where one rail is elevated above the other, compensation shall be made so that clearance requirements outlined in the AREMA Manual shall be maintained, the vertical clearances being taken from the top of the higher rail and the horizontal clearances being measured from the closest point in a line passing through the center line of the track and perpendicular to the face of the ties in the track.

 

c)         Warning Signs Required.  At all overhead freight loading platforms, awnings, canopies, coal chutes, ore tipples, entrances to warehouses, shop buildings and similar structures, where the vertical clearance is less than 21½ feet, and at all high freight-loading platforms where the horizontal clearance is less than 8 feet, warning signs shall be erected as a caution to employees.

 

d)         Location and Lettering of Warning Signs.  Warning signs for use at places having reduced clearances shall be of suitable size and placed in conspicuous positions with black letters upon a white background.  At the top of the sign shall be placed the word "WARNING" with the letters not less than 3 inches in height.  All other letters upon the sign shall be not less than 1½ inches in height.  Unless other words may more appropriately convey proper warning, remaining words on sign shall be "No clearance for a person on the side (or top) of car."  The foregoing words will require a sign 15 inches by 20 inches in size.

 

e)         Printed Rules.  In all cases where clearances require warning signs as provided in subsection (c), a printed rule shall be issued by the railroad company prohibiting its employees from occupying the tops or sides (as the case may require) of cars while in motion.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

SUBPART B: STEAM RAILROADS: TRACK CENTERS

 

Section 1500.110  Main Tracks

 

The distance from the center line of any main track to the center line of an adjacent main track, both used exclusively for passenger service, shall be not less than thirteen (13) feet; while freight cars are handled on either or both tracks, the distance between the center lines of such tracks shall not be less than thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches.

 

Section 1500.120  Tracks Adjacent to Main Tracks

 

a)         Except as to ladder tracks, the distance from the centerline of any main track to the centerline of any adjacent subsidiary track shall be not less than 15 feet.

 

b)         The distance from the centerline of any main track to the centerline of any adjacent ladder track in which switches are operated mechanically shall be not less than 15 feet; in ladder tracks where switches are not operated mechanically, 17 feet.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.130  Subsidiary Passenger Tracks

 

a)         Except as to ladder tracks the distance between the centerline of any two subsidiary passenger tracks shall be not less than 13 feet.

 

b)         Any pair of subsidiary tracks used solely for passenger service may have centers less than 13 feet provided the centerline of any track, adjacent to either side of such pair of tracks is located not less than 13 feet from the side of the track.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.140  Subsidiary Freight Tracks

 

a)         Except as to ladder tracks the distance between the centerlines of any two subsidiary freight tracks shall be not less than 13½ feet.

 

b)         Team Tracks.  Any two adjacent tracks, commonly known as a pair of team tracks, with a driveway on one side thereof, may have track centers less than 13½ feet.  If a third track is constructed adjacent to such pair of tracks its track center must be not less than 13½ feet from the centerline of the nearest track.

 

c)         Track System with High Platform Adjacent Thereto.  Any system of three or more tracks at freight houses, warehouses, wharves, or similar structures, used exclusively for handling freight to or from high platforms located on one or both sides thereof may have its track centers less than 13½ feet, provided that at least two tracks in any such system shall have centers not less than this distance.  Where such system is composed of two tracks only, their centerlines shall not be less than 13½ feet.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.150  Ladder Tracks

 

a)         The distance from the center line of any subsidiary track to the centerline of any adjacent ladder track where the switches are operated mechanically, shall not be less than 15 feet; where the switches are not operated mechanically, not less than 17 feet.

 

b)         The distance between the centerlines of two adjacent parallel ladder tracks where the switches in both are operated mechanically, shall be not less than 17 feet; where the switches in either or both are not operated mechanically, not less than 19 feet.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

SUBPART C: STRUCTURAL CLEARANCES

 

Section 1500.160  Bridges

 

a)         Railroad Bridges Supporting Main Tracks or Subsidiary Freight Tracks.  The clearances of all railroad bridges supporting main tracks or subsidiary freight tracks shall be as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21¼ feet  above the top of rail; thence horizontally 4 feet 2 inches; thence downward at an angle to a point 15 feet above the top of rail and 8 feet laterally distant from the centerline of track; thence downward to a point 4 feet above the top of rail and 8 feet laterally distant from the centerline of track; thence downward on an angle to a point level with the base of rail and 5 feet laterally distant from the centerline of track.

 

b)         Railroad Bridges Spanning Main Tracks or Subsidiary Freight Tracks.  The clearances of all railroad bridges spanning main tracks or subsidiary freight tracks shall be as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet above the top of rail the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 8 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

c)         Highway Bridges Spanning Railroad Tracks.  A vertical clearance of not less than 23 feet above the top of rail shall be provided for all new and reconstructed highway bridges constructed over a railroad track.  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 23 feet above the top of rail the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 9 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.  For purposes of this subsection, reconstruction includes pier and/or pier cap replacement, girder removal and/or replacement, and/or widening of existing piers, pier caps or decks.  All other work shall be considered as rehabilitation, in which case the existing clearance or a minimum of 21½ feet vertical clearance (whichever is greater) must be attained.

 

d)         The Commission may, by order, permit a lesser clearance if it determines that the 23 foot clearance standard cannot be justified based on engineering, operational, and economic conditions.  A recommendation for a lesser clearance may be submitted to the Commission, followed by an evidentiary hearing of all the parties involved before an Administrative Law Judge.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.170  Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures

 

a)         Structures Adjacent to Main Tracks.  Except as otherwise specified the clearances between main tracks and buildings or other structures adjacent thereto shall be as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet above the top of rail the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 8 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

b)         Structures Adjacent to Subsidiary Passenger Tracks.  Except as otherwise specified, the clearances between subsidiary passenger tracks and buildings or other structures adjacent thereto shall be as follows:

 

1)         Tracks outside of buildings:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet  above top of rail, the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 7½ feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of the rail.

 

2)         Tracks entering buildings:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track at such a height as will be most practicable for the height of cars handled on such tracks, the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 7 feet from the centerline of track from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

c)         Structures Adjacent to Subsidiary Freight Tracks.  Except as otherwise specified the clearances between subsidiary freight tracks and buildings or other structures adjacent thereto shall be as follows:

 

1)         Tracks outside of buildings:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet above the top of rail the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 8 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

2)         Tracks entering buildings such as warehouses, freight houses, coal chutes, elevators and similar structures:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track at such a height as will be most practicable for cars handled on such tracks, the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 7 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

d)         Engine Houses.  The clearances at the entrances of new engine houses when the engine house doors are open shall be as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track at such a height as will be most practicable for the height of engines using the engine house, the vertical clearance line so established shall extend horizontally each way until it intersects the horizontal clearance lines established 6¾ feet laterally distant from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

e)         Coal Tipples, Ore Tipples, Stone Crusher, etc.  The clearances of all subsidiary tracks passing through or underneath coal tipples, ore tipples, stone crushers or similar overhead structures shall be as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track at such height as will be most practicable for the height of equipment handled on such tracks, the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 8 feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.180  Awnings and Canopies

 

a)         Awnings and Canopies at Main Tracks.  Awnings and canopies spanning main tracks or supported at the sides of main tracks shall have clearances as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet above the top of rail; the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 8 feet from the centerline of track; from which points the horizontal clearance lines shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

b)         Awnings and Canopies at Subsidiary Passenger Tracks.  Awnings and canopies spanning subsidiary passenger tracks or supported at the sides of such tracks shall have clearances as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track at such a height above the top of rail as will be most practicable for the height of cars handled on such tracks, the vertical clearance line shall extend thence horizontally each way to points 7½ feet from the centerline of track, from which points the horizontal clearance line shall extend vertically downward to points level with the base of rail.

 

c)         Awnings and Canopies at Subsidiary Freight Tracks.

 

1)         Except as otherwise specified, awnings and canopies spanning subsidiary freight tracks or supported at the sides of such tracks shall have clearances as follows:  Beginning at a point in the centerline of track 21½ feet above the top of rail; thence horizontally 4 feet to a point; thence diagonally to a point 15 feet above the top of rail and 8 feet laterally distant from the centerline of track; thence vertically downward to a point level with the base of rail.

 

2)         Awnings and canopies at freight houses and freight loading platforms may be constructed with vertical clearances of not less than 15 feet provided the edges of such awnings or canopies do not extend closer than 5½ feet to the centerline of track.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.190  Overhead Loading Platforms

 

All tracks (except main, passing, ladder, or other open throughfare tracks) spanned by overhead platforms used for icing or other loading purposes, may have vertical clearances less than twenty-one (21) feet six (6) inches provided such platforms or structures are so constructed as to open upward or outward by means of counterweights or other devices and thus provide clearances required by Section 1500.170(b) and (c) at times when cars are being handled over the tracks served by such platforms.

 

Section 1500.200  High Freight Platforms

 

The distance from the centerlines of subsidiary tracks to the faces or edges of high platforms from which freight is handled to or from cars shall not exceed 6 feet 2 inches.  The minimum horizontal clearance in the area above the floor of such platforms shall be 28 inches greater than the distance from the centerline of the subsidiary track to the face or edge of the platform.  This Section shall not apply when the faces or edges of the platforms have horizontal clearances of 8 feet or more from the centerlines of the tracks.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.210  High Passenger Platforms

 

Platforms approximately level with passenger car floors may be constructed and maintained with faces less than 8 feet from the centerline of a subsidiary track used solely for passenger service, provided the coaches served by such platforms are equipped with platform gates which are kept closed while the train is in motion.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.220  Low Passenger Platforms

 

Passenger platforms not higher than 8 inches above the top of rail may be constructed and maintained with faces not less than 5 feet 1 inch from the centerline of an adjacent track.  Passenger platforms less than 4 inches above the top of rail may be constructed and maintained with faces not less than 4½ feet from the centerline of an adjacent track.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.230  Switch Stands

 

a)         Main Tracks.  Main track switch stands exceeding 2 feet 10 inches in height and not exceeding 4 feet in height shall have horizontal clearances of not less than 8 feet from the centerline of an adjacent track to the nearest part of the switch stand above the base of rail; and not less than 8 feet 3 inches when the switch stand exceeds 4 feet in height.

 

b)         Subsidiary Tracks.  Subsidiary track switch stands exceeding 2 feet 10 inches in height and not exceeding 4 feet in height shall be not less than 7½ feet from the centerline of an adjacent track to the nearest part of the switch stand above the base of rail; and not less than 8 feet when the switch stand exceeds 4 feet in height.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.240  Low Switch Stand Dwarf Signals, Signal Apparatus, etc.

 

Switch stands not exceeding two (2) feet ten (10) inches in height, dwarf interlocking signals not exceeding two (2) feet eight (8) inches in height, interlocking switch machines, pipe lines and other signaling apparatus, the third rail and its supports for the electric operation of trains, and guard rails of all kinds may be installed and maintained between or adjacent to tracks regardless of the clearance line hereinbefore specified.

 

Section 1500.250  Pen Stocks and Water Tanks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.260  Semaphore Signals

 

The distance from the nearest part above the top of rail of a semaphore signal post, other than a dwarf signal, to the centerline of an adjacent main track, shall be not less than 8½ feet.  For subsidiary tracks, this distance shall be not less than 8 feet.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.270  Poles, Posts and Signs

 

The face of all telegraph, telephone, or other poles, whistle posts, mile posts, posts for signal bridges, whipcords, crossing gates, highway crossing bells, and all other signs, signals or devices not otherwise provided for in this Part, shall be not less than 9 feet from the centerline of adjacent tracks.  No part of any sign or appurtenance attached to such poles or posts shall be less than 8 feet from the centerline of an adjacent track, between the top of rail and a point 15 feet above.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.280  Fences

 

To prevent persons from crossing railroad tracks at unauthorized places in the immediate vicinity of passenger stations, fences not more than four (4) feet six (6) inches above the top of rail may be maintained between tracks.

 

Section 1500.290  Mail Cranes (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.300  Building Materials or Supplies

 

No building materials or supplies of any kind except ballast or ties intended for immediate use shall be piled nearer to any main track or passing track than 9 feet from the centerline thereof; or nearer to any other track than 8½ feet from the centerline thereof.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.310  Overhead Wire Crossings

 

The vertical clearances of all electric or other wires crossing over railroad tracks shall conform to the requirements of 83 Ill. Adm. Code 305 of this Commission and amendments thereto as may be in force and adopted by this Commission.  The requirements of 83 Ill. Adm. Code 305 that address vertical clearances of all electric or other wires crossing over railroad tracks are outlined in the following portions of the National Electric Safety Code (2002 Edition) published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers:

 

            a)         Section 2 (Definitions of Special Terms);

 

b)         Part 2 (Sections 20-27: Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Overhead Electric Supply and Communication Lines).

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

SUBPART D: ELECTRIC INTERURBAN RAILROADS: TRACK CENTERS

 

Section 1500.410  Main Tracks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.420  Tracks Adjacent to Main Tracks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.430  Subsidiary Passenger Tracks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.440  Subsidiary Freight Tracks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.450  Ladder Tracks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

SUBPART E: ELECTRIC INTERURBAN RAILROADS: STRUCTURAL CLEARANCES

 

Section 1500.460  Bridges (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.470  Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.480  Awnings and Canopies (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.490  Overhead Loading Platforms (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.500  High Freight Platforms (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.510  High Passenger Platforms (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.520  Low Passenger Platforms (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.530  Switch Stands (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.540  Low Switch Stands, Dwarf Signals, Signal Apparatus, etc. (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.550  Pen Stocks and Water Tanks (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.560  Semaphore Signals (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.570  Poles, Posts and Signs (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.580  Fences (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.590  Mail Cranes (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.600  Building Materials or Supplies (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.610  Overhead Wire Crossings (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

SUBPART F: STREET RAILROADS

 

Section 1500.700  General (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.710  Track Centers (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.720  Bridges (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.730  Buildings and Miscellaneous Structures (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.740  Poles (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.750  Switch Stands, Signal Apparatus, etc. (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.760  Building Materials and Supplies (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.770  Overhead Wire Crossings (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

SUBPART G: CLEARANCE PROCEDURE

 

Section 1500.810  Authorization to Construct and Operate

 

a)         When Permission for Construction is Not Necessary.  Except such as may be required by law or by any order of this Commission, permission will not be necessary for any railroad to construct any tracks or other appurtenances or to operate on such tracks provided the track centers and clearances alongside such tracks or other appurtenances conform to this Part.

 

b)         When Permission for Construction is Necessary.  Application shall be made to this Commission for permission to construct and maintain such tracks or other appurtenances, or to operate on such tracks, where track centers and clearances will not or do not conform to this Part.  The application for such permission shall be submitted by the railroad company involved, or jointly by the railroad company and the owner of the property when the track or appurtenances are upon private property.  Each application must be accompanied by a plan showing the location of the proposed track or other appurtenance and the clearances that it is desired to maintain.

 

c)         The Commission shall consider the following in determining whether a variation shall be permitted:  

 

1)         The impact, if any, on the safety of railroad employees;

 

2)         The expense to the carrier or others, if the variation is not granted; and

 

3)         Experience with similar variations at other locations.  Similar variations would be situations involving like reduced clearances and like railroad operations.  Lack of any problems would indicate acceptable experience.

 

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.820  Form of Application (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 29 Ill. Reg. 20360, effective December 15, 2005)

 

Section 1500.830  Approval of Application (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)

 

Section 1500.840  Hearings (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 16489, effective October 1, 1987)