... Alternatively you can simply leave a gap between them, provided there are adjacent timbers holding the rails to gauge. This means the gaps would be typically alternated in adjacent roads, and ideally placed in the least heavily-traffic roads. Note that if you leave a gap it needs to be a definite gap, not with the timber ends butted close together. This is so that if the timber needs packing, the gang can dig out all round it to insert jacks, etc. You can see it in your picture: 2_131152_340000000.jpg But note that there are no hard and fast rules about any of this. Each timbering layout is designed for the actual site using the practice of the local design office. If we lay down any rules here, someone will come along and post a photo showing the exact opposite. regards, Martin. posted: 13 Feb 2017 20:58 from: Jim Guthrie The Americans were doing similar- like this crossover for the Union Pacific Railroad. Scroll down to the fourth page http://www.up.com/cs/ ...