S.F. No. 3857 - Railroad Clearance Requirements

• Amends Minnesota Statutes section 219.46, subdivision 1, to clarify clearance requirements for common carriers on standard gauge railroad tracks and sidetracks.

• Maintains existing prohibition on structures within 8 feet of track centerline (effective April 16, 1913) and adds new requirements for structures built or remodeled after May 1, 1943 requiring 8-1/2 feet side clearance and 22 feet overhead clearance.

• Increases overhead clearance requirement from 21 feet to 22 feet for overhead wires, bridges, viaducts, and other obstructions on newly built or remodeled structures.

• Applies clearance requirements to standard gauge roads and sidetracks used for freight traffic, with exemptions for depot company yards, terminals, and passenger-service-only railway companies.

• Becomes effective the day following final enactment.