A British railway term for a railway tie or timber that is laid parallel to the rails rather than perpendicular across them. This historic track design was used on early broad-gauge lines and is still sometimes used on bridges or inspection pits where continuous rail support is required without obstructing the center gauge.
Heard on the job
Brunel's broad gauge track famously relied on longitudinal timbers instead of standard cross-ties.
Also heard as
- longitudinal sleeper
- baulk