Re: re-sleepering tunnels

[matthew@mail.usyd.edu.au (Matthew Geier)]

In article <0kaw3.227$kW3.7645@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net>,
Thommo <mjthom@hdc.com.au> wrote:
>How are sleepers replaced in single track tunnels and single deck bridges,
>the only way that I can think of is to replace the whole section at a
>time???
>
 The tunnels are usually just wide enough to pull the sleeper out the side
stick the new one in. It might not come straight out, but I dont think ive
seen any narrow enough that you couldnt get the sleeper out at an angle.

 Hard work, but doable.

 The other option would to be unspike a number of sleepers on one side
and jack up the rail. You often jack up the rails a bit anyway to take
the weight off the sleeper.

 Bridges usually have enough space around them to poke the sleeper over the
side :-)
 A lot of old timber bridges dont have sleepers anyway, but special decking
timbers that are thicker (and part of the bridge structure) than sleepers.