crosstie

A crosstie, also known as a railroad tie, is a crucial component of a railroad track. It is a horizontal support placed across the track to hold the rails in position. These ties are typically made of wood, though steel and concrete alternatives are also used.12

Crossties serve to transfer the load from the rails to the ballast and subgrade beneath them, ensuring the stability and integrity of the track. They are essential for maintaining the gauge of the track, which is the distance between the inner edges of the two rails. A specialized type, the switch tie, is longer and used at turnouts and crossovers.23