Railroad tracks are designed to provide a stable and level surface for trains to travel on, ensuring their safe and efficient movement.

Railroad tracks are primarily classified into two types based on the distance between the rails: standard gauge and narrow gauge.

The most widely used railroad track gauge is 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in), also known as the standard gauge.

Railroad ties, also known as sleepers, are used to secure the rails to the track bed and maintain the proper spacing between them.

Ballast, typically consisting of crushed stone or gravel, is used to provide drainage and prevent water from accumulating around the tracks, ensuring the stability of the track bed.

Rail joints are used to connect two rails together, ensuring a continuous and smooth running surface for trains.

The space between two adjacent railroad tracks is referred to as the inter-track distance.

Turnouts, also known as switches, are used to allow trains to change tracks, enabling them to move from one track to another.

A passing siding is a section of railroad track where trains can overtake or pass each other, allowing faster trains to proceed without being obstructed by slower ones.

Signals in a railroad track are used to communicate instructions and information to train operators, such as speed limits, track conditions, and the status of upcoming signals.

A yard is a section of railroad track where trains can be stored or parked, typically used for maintenance, servicing, or assembling trains.

Grade crossings are intersections where railroad tracks cross roads or pathways, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to cross the tracks.

A viaduct is a section of railroad track that is elevated above the surrounding terrain, typically used to cross valleys or rivers.

Tunnels are used to allow trains to pass through mountains, hills, or other obstacles that cannot be crossed at grade.

A trestle is a section of railroad track that is built on a bridge, typically used to cross rivers or ravines.