The clearance space between the inner rails of two adjacent tracks on a multi-track line. Despite the name, the actual distance is rarely exactly six feet, varying based on track centers and curvature. Maintenance crews use this term to designate where workers should stand or where materials can be safely dropped without fouling the running rails.
Heard on the job
Keep your tools out of the six foot while that intermodal comes through, or they'll get sucked right under the wheels.
Insider tip
Never stand in the six foot when trains are passing on both sides; the aerodynamic forces and tight clearances are deadly.
Also heard as
- six-foot way