- You've put 16 feet of clearance between each centreline when the requirement is only for 13'. If you take a look at google maps, you can see for yourself that there is only ~12 feet between track centrelines for the SRT.
- The minimum clearance from the outside of the tracks is 8', not 16'. 16' is the width of the entire envelope, not from the centreline.
- Those Transport Canada standards don't apply to the SRT, just like they don't apply to the TTC subway or to the Spadina streetcar. The SRT isn't a mainline railway, freight isn't running on it, and the same level of clearance wouldn't be required.
- Even if you had correctly interpreted the standard you still haven't answered the basic question: why do you think it is impossible for Metrolinx to eat into the green space buffer or to expropriate a narrow strip from the parking lots of the adjacent low-rise industrial properties, if they wanted to triple track?
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I used 16 feet for centreline tracks because LRT requires a pantograph and different vehicles. In order to assume no expropriations are necessary, I had to use the larger value. It's also to help take into account the requirement of platforms, fencing, and other clearance requirements that may not be evident from a simple image.
I used 16' for the outside tracks' centerlines because, again, of platform requirements, and to account for any extra space required for signal placement, utilities, substations, storm drains, as well as any other safety clearances that may be required along the corridor.
Even under the assumption of minimum conditions, why on earth would you build lines so close to each other when electrification is in place? And if we want trains to go faster, why would you place minimum distances between the SRT/LRT line and a mainline go train (which may reach speeds of up to 140-150 km/h)? Sure, Japan may do it in the Seikan Tunnel, but the trains are engineered to increase aerodynamics and are significantly heavier than an LRV.
GO lines are heavy rail, so you have to make them 16 feet. Sum up everything, you get 80', still more than the corridor width.
Fine, in theoretical terms, you can fit 5 tracks together under the bare minimum through the entirety of the corridor, but in practical terms, is that really feasible? If so, that'd be great for everyone since you will retain your freight service, 2 way GO service (express service is still in question), and have your subway/LRT line on the side.
And to answer the final question, the argument is made with the assumption that no expropriations are to occur, and to be entirely fair, I believe this GO corridor is stated for quadruple tracking due to the desire for express trains. How do you fit a 6th track in here? What about storage/Tail tracks for the LRT? Are we even allowed to cut into the Hydro One corridor?
My apologies if my reply angered anyone.