Its just for derail protection for the bridge. All of the Commuter Rail lines in Denver have the extra rail for derail protection regardless of the size of the bridge that they are protecting. If you look at the rails on the (railroad) south end of the 38th & Blake station leading toward DUS the third rails are gone.
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@BaronMatt: I do not know, I'm confused too. It seemed strange to me to see that third rail. I am a railfan from Chile. I was visiting in the US, so I do not know more details.
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| Posted by Andrew on May 17, 2018 | |
This is also called a "check rail". If the wheels leave the rail, it keeps the wheel running on the sleepers, (Ties), hopefully!
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Thanks to all for your comments, and its complete answers.
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| Posted by Ed L on May 26, 2018 | |
I'm not sure we have the right answer here. If it is a check rail, why aren't there 2. Every water crossing I've ever seen has 4 rails not 3. What about the other side?
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There is only one safety rail because RTD (who built and owns the line) was cheap. All of the newly constructed bridges only have one rail.
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