How much does a wooden rail tie weigh?
Presently, wooden railroad ties account for 99 percent of all railroad ties in the United States, with each tie weighing approximately 200 pounds. A typical wooden railroad tie measures 8-1/2 feet in length, 9 inches in width, and 7 inches in thickness, and is crafted from a variety of hardwoods like white pine and cedar. These ties are treated with creosote, a substance that shields them from environmental degradation.
However, railroad companies and transit systems are exploring plastic ties as a potential alternative to wooden ties. The weight of a wooden railroad tie can vary due to factors such as cracking, checking, and the type and volume of material used in its treatment to preserve and prolong its lifespan.
