Talk About Close Clearance!

This is exactly why they needed to notch the tunnels when intermodal trains were invented!

Not much room for error here as this intermodal traverses through Newcastle Tunnel 18 on the Union Pacific Roseville Subdivision.

Built in 1909, the Newcastle Tunnel 18 is part of Union Pacific’s Donner Pass Line and measures 991 feet in length with no curves.

In 1984, major railroads introduced double stack intermodal freight and had to modify tunnels and bridge clearances to accept double stack heights.

Depending on the type and configuration of containers being transported, the height clearances needed can vary between 18 feet 2 inches to 20 feet 2 inches.

As you can see, there is little room for error when stacking these containers!

Let us know if what you think about the container intermodal freight. We would love to hear your opinion.