The Steepest Rail Grades in the United States

When discussing the steepest rail grades in the United States, it's important to distinguish between narrow-gauge and standard-gauge tracks. This article aims to explore the most pronounced of these, particularly focusing on both railroad and street applications.

Railway Grades in the U.S.

One of the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grades in the United States is Saluda Grade, located in Polk County, North Carolina. Owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway as part of its W Line, Saluda Grade is infamous for its steep incline. It rises 606 feet (185 meters) in less than three miles (4.8 kilometers) between the towns of Melrose and Saluda. The average grade is 4.24 percent over 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), with a maximum grade of approximately 4.9 percent over a 300-foot (91-meter) section.

Pittsburgh's Canton Avenue

However, when it comes to public roads, Pittsburgh's Canton Avenue in the Beechview neighborhood becomes incredibly steep. According to Fox News, this cobbled street reaches a gradient of 20.3 degrees or 37 percent, holding the record for the steepest public road in the United States, and possibly the world. This phenomenon may well be one of the reasons Pittsburgh is known as the City of Champions.

Historical Context

While not the steepest, it's interesting to note that other parts of Pittsburgh once had significant railroad grades. The Boeing Plant at Everett, built in the 1960s, featured a rail spur with a grade of 5.6 percent, which was quite substantial. Another notable grade was Madison Hill, said to have been even steeper, but it has not been used for decades.

Other Notable Locations

Another steep railway grade to consider is found in San Francisco's Crooked Street. Although it's not known for being the steepest, it's a significant incline that can be seen from Coit Tower. This street is part of the iconic San Francisco railway network, known for its numerous steep inclines and cobbled tracks.

Technical Insights

From a technical standpoint, the incline of a railroad or streetcar line is measured in per mille (‰). For reference, the Linz Pstlingsbergbahn has an adhesion of 110‰, and the Panama Canal has very short segments with a grade of 480‰. The Pilatusbahn reaches an impressive 500‰, and the Gelmerbahn has a funicular with a grade of approximately 1100‰.

While these numbers provide a technical understanding, it's clear that the Saluda Grade remains the steepest standard-gauge railway grade in the United States, and Pittsburgh's Canton Avenue holds the record for the steepest public street in the country.

In conclusion, the steepest rail grades in the United States vary depending on the application. While historical and contemporary railroad grades exist, the public street records are dominated by Pittsburgh's remarkable Canton Avenue. These steep grades not only test the engineering prowess of rail systems but also offer unique travel experiences for those who dare to navigate them.