Railroad Boring Requirements

Boring under railroad tracks is one of the most regulated crossings in underground construction. The railroad owns the corridor, sets the engineering standard, and controls access — the contractor’s job is to design and execute a bore that meets that standard without disturbing the track above. This guide covers what railroads require and how the work actually gets done in Oklahoma and Texas.

Trinity Boring Solutions installs cased utility crossings under active rail for water, sewer, gas, electric, and fiber lines. The requirements below reflect the specifications we see most often from Class I and short line railroads across the region.

What Do Railroads Require Before You Bore?

Every crossing starts with a utility crossing agreement. The application package typically includes a plan and profile of the proposed bore, casing material and wall thickness, depth of cover from base of rail, and insurance certificates naming the railroad. Review times run from a few weeks to several months depending on the railroad, so the permit clock — not the boring — usually drives the schedule.

Which Boring Methods Are Used Under Track?

Two methods handle nearly all rail crossings. Auger boring jacks a steel casing through the ground while an auger removes spoil from inside it — it holds grade precisely and is the standard for gravity sewer and larger casings. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) drills a steerable pilot hole and pulls the casing or carrier back through, which suits pressure pipe, electric duct, and fiber conduit, especially on longer or deeper crossings. The railroad’s specification and the carrier type decide which method gets used.

How Are Casing, Depth & Settlement Controlled?

Steel casing protects the carrier from track loading and gives the railroad a replaceable sleeve if the carrier ever needs work. Cover of 5.5 feet or more below base of rail is typical, with casing extending beyond the ballast section on both sides. Settlement is controlled by keeping the bore fully supported — matched spoil removal on auger bores, engineered drilling fluid on HDD — and by staying at or below the railroad’s specified advance rates.

What Do Real Railroad Crossing Projects Look Like?

Typical crossings we price include water and sewer mains crossing spurs into industrial parks, electric duct banks feeding rail-served facilities, and fiber conduit following section lines across short line corridors. Most run 60 to 200 feet of casing and are bored in one to three days once flagging is scheduled.

Boring under Railroad Tracks FAQs

Can you open-cut a railroad crossing instead of boring?

Almost never on active track. Railroads require trenchless installation for utility crossings so the track bed is never disturbed and traffic keeps running.

How long does railroad boring permission take?

Crossing agreement review commonly takes 4 to 12 weeks depending on the railroad. Submitting a complete package with plan, profile, and casing specification the first time is the best way to keep it on the short end.

Auger boring or directional drilling — which is right?

Auger boring holds exact grade and is preferred for gravity lines and large steel casings. HDD is faster and more flexible for pressure pipe, electric conduit, and fiber. The railroad specification often names the acceptable method.

Who provides flagging during the bore?

The railroad provides or approves the flagger, and the utility or contractor pays for it. Flagging is scheduled after the crossing agreement is executed.