When a bridge is being rebuilt, a cut is being widened or a wreck has blocked the line, MOW forces lay a shoofly: a short bypass track that leaves the main, swings around the work and rejoins it. Shooflies are built fast on thin ballast with sharp curves, so they carry low speed limits. Some last only days after a derailment, while others stay in place for months during a bridge replacement.
They've got a shoofly around the river bridge job, it's 10 mph and rough, so take it easy with the stack train.
Also heard as
- shoo-fly
Related terms
MOW
Maintenance of way: the department and crews that build and maintain track, bridges and roadbed.
Slow order
A temporary speed restriction on a stretch of track because of its condition, heat or work in progress.
Main line
The principal track or tracks of a railroad between terminals, where trains need authority to run.
Big hook
The wrecking crane sent to clear a derailment and lift cars back onto the track.