Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short railway line connected to a main line: A "spur track" is a secondary railway track that branches off from a main or trunk line, typically to serve a specific location like a factory, warehouse, or mine.
   • A siding or branch line: It functions as a connector, allowing rail traffic to access facilities not located directly on the primary rail network.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory was served by a short spur track connected to the main transcontinental line.
  • They built a new spur track to transport lumber directly from the mill to the main rail yard.

Advanced Usage

• "to build/construct a spur track": To create a new branch line.
  • The mining company invested heavily to build a spur track to the new excavation site.
• "to service via a spur track": To provide access using a branch line.
  • The remote depot is only serviced via a single spur track.

Variants and Related Words

• Spur line (n): A synonym for "spur track," meaning a short branch railway line.
  • The old spur line to the quarry is no longer in use.
• Branch line (n): A more general term for a secondary railway route diverging from a main line.
• Siding (n): A short track adjacent to a main line used for parking or unloading railcars, often similar in function to a spur.

Synonyms

• Branch line: A secondary railway line.
• Feeder line: A line that feeds traffic to a main line.
• Siding: A track for shunting or storing rolling stock.

Related Phrases

• Rail spur: Another common term for a spur track.
  • The industrial park's rail spur facilitates efficient cargo loading.
• Spur off the main line: Describes the action of branching from the primary track.
  • The new freight terminal required a track to spur off the main line.

Notes on Meaning

The term "spur track" is specific to rail transport. It implies a shorter, often single-purpose connection rather than a major branch route. Its primary function is logistical, providing direct rail access to a specific industrial or commercial site.

Noun

1. a railway line connected to a trunk line