View source for Spiral (railway)

{{For|the engineering term applying to railway track geometry|Track transition curve}}
{{Short description|Railway layout for steep climbs}}
[[File:RhB ABe 4-4 III Kreisviadukt Brusio.jpg|thumb|260px|Spiral viaduct of the [[Bernina Express]] near Brusio, Switzerland.]]

A '''spiral''' (sometimes called a '''spiral loop''' or just '''loop''') is a technique employed by [[Rail transport|railway]]s to ascend steep hills.

A railway spiral rises on a steady curve until it has completed a loop, passing over itself as it gains height, allowing the railway to gain vertical elevation in a relatively short horizontal distance. It is an alternative to a [[Zig zag (railway)|zig-zag]], and avoids the need for the trains to stop and reverse direction while ascending. If the train is longer than the length of each loop it may be possible to view it looping above itself.<ref name="Wolmar2014">{{cite book |author=Christian Wolmar |title=The Iron Road: The Illustrated History of Railways |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_htpAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT170 |date=1 May 2014 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited |isbn=978-0-241-18186-7 |pages=170–}}</ref><ref name="Nachsch1972">{{cite book |author=S. M. Yameen Nachsch |title=Railway Engineering |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rpd1b5JsAlgC |year=1972 |publisher=Caravan Book House}}</ref>

The term "loop" is also often used for a railway that curves sharply and goes back on itself: if the railway crosses itself, then it forms a spiral or [[helix]]; otherwise, it forms the much more common [[Horseshoe curve|horseshoe curve or bend]].<ref name="Hay1982">{{cite book |author=William W. Hay |title=Railroad Engineering |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ygKio-Ks0doC&pg=PA231 |date=16 June 1982 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-471-36400-9 |pages=231–}}</ref><ref name="Harter2005">{{cite book |author=Jim Harter |title=World Railways of the Nineteenth Century: A Pictorial History in Victorian Engravings |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ESnBiR7vLPQC |year=2005 |publisher=JHU Press |isbn=978-0-8018-8089-6}}</ref>

{{TOC right}}

==List of spirals==
===Argentina===
* Two spirals between Tacuara and Meseta at {{coord|-24.4361|-65.8412|display=inline|format=dms}} and {{coord|-24.3881|-65.8502|display=inline|format=dms}} on the heritage ''[[Tren a las Nubes]]'' section of the [[Salta–Antofagasta railway]] part of the [[General Manuel Belgrano Railway]].<ref name="Hollingsworth1982">{{cite book|author=John Brian Hollingsworth|title=Atlas of the world's railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YvHtAAAAMAAJ|year=1982|publisher=Bison|isbn=9780811904681}}</ref><ref name="BorsdorfStadel2015">{{cite book| author1=Axel Borsdorf|author2=Christoph Stadel|title=The Andes: A Geographical Portrait| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lgEyBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA273|date=12 March 2015| publisher=Springer| isbn=978-3-319-03530-7| pages=273–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pons|first1=Mónica|title=The Train to the Clouds, Salta|url=https://www.welcomeargentina.com/salta/train-to-the-clouds.html |website=Welcome Argentina|access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref>

===Australia===
* Spiral on the uphill track at [[Bethungra Spiral|Bethungra]] {{coord|-34.7545838|147.8703011|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Main Southern railway line]] in [[New South Wales]]. The downhill track remains on the original steep plain 1 in 40 gradient.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Australian encyclopaedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PlUhAAAAMAAJ|year=1958|publisher=Michigan State University Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/visit/ViewAttractionDetail.aspx?ID=5011929|title=Bethungra Spiral|publisher=Heritage Council of New South Wales}}</ref>
* Spiral on the single track at [[Cougal Spiral|Cougal]] {{coord|-28.35439|152.964038|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[North Coast railway line, New South Wales]].<ref name=SHR>{{cite NSW SHR|4280245|Cougal To Border Loop, Railway Spiral and Landscape|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="Bayley1973">{{cite book|author=William Alan Bayley|title=Standard Gauge Railway Across Australia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg0JAQAAMAAJ|year=1973|publisher=Austrail Publications|isbn=978-0-909597-09-2}}</ref>

===Bulgaria===
* Four Spirals on the [[Rhodope Mountains|Rhodope]] Mountain Line between [[Septemvri-Dobrinishte narrow gauge line|Septemvri to Dobrinishte railway]] between [[Velingrad]] and [[Cherna Mesta]] at {{coord|42.04329|23.85336|display=inline|format=dms}}, {{coord|42.04074|23.84169|display=inline|format=dms}}, {{coord|42.03728|23.74671|display=inline|format=dms}} and {{coord|42.04814|23.73606|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Hollingsworth1982"/><ref name="TCMap2011">{{cite map |author=Brendan Fox |display-authors=etal |title=The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe |year=2011 |scale=1:4000000 |publisher=Thomas Cook Publishing |cartography=Mary Spence |edition=18th |isbn=978-1-84848-356-9 }}</ref><ref name="Bulgaria2017">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=20 March 2017 |title=European Railway Atlas Regional Series, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova}}</ref>{{rp|247}}
* Spiral just outside [[Klisura (Bulgaria)|Klisura]] at {{coord|42.700687|N|24.459643|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Sofia]] to [[Tulovo]] railway.<ref name="Ball2016">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=1 May 2016 |title=European Railway Atlas}}</ref>{{rp|110}}<ref name="Bulgaria2017" />{{rp|244}}<ref name="datamap">{{cite map |title=Подробна карта на България (A detailed Map of Bulgaria) |year=2014 |scale=1:380000 |publisher=ДатаМап-Европа ООД (DataMap Europe) |isbn=978-954-519-036-0}}</ref>
* Spiral just outside [[Radevtsi]] at {{coord|42.796201|N|25.544000|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ruse, Bulgaria|Ruse]] to [[Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria|Dimitrovgrad]] railway.<ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|110}}<ref name="Bulgaria2017" />{{rp|244}}<ref name="datamap" />
* Spiral and horseshoe bends just outside [[Raduntsi]] at {{coord|42.677007|N|25.594618|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ruse, Bulgaria|Ruse]] to [[Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria|Dimitrovgrad]] railway.<ref name="TCMap2011" /><ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|110}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Jane's World Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DMAlAAAAMAAJ|year=1960|publisher=Sampson Low, Marston; New York: Rand McNally}}</ref><ref name="Bulgaria2017" />{{rp|244}}<ref name="datamap" />

===Canada===
* Double spiral at [[Big Hill#The Spiral Tunnels|Big Hill]] at {{coord|51.4245778|-116.42142|display=inline|format=dms}} on the approach to [[Kicking Horse Pass]] on the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] route.<ref name="Pole1995">{{cite book|author=Graeme Pole|title=The Spiral Tunnels and the Big Hill: A Canadian Railway Adventure|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aNyoAAAACAAJ|date=1 January 1995|publisher=Altitude Publishing Canada Limited|isbn=978-1-55153-907-2}}</ref><ref name="Stewart2004">{{cite book|author=Barry D. Stewart|title=Across the Land --a Canadian Journey of Discovery|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DU6sZva-wVEC&pg=PA224|year=2004|publisher=Trafford Publishing|isbn=978-1-4120-2276-7|pages=224–}}</ref><ref name="Cross2014">{{cite book|author=L.D. Cross|title=High Peaks Engineering: Rocky Mountain Marvels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6S_hAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA93|date=21 July 2014|publisher=Heritage House Publishing Co|isbn=978-1-927527-80-1|pages=93–}}</ref>
* There used to be a spiral at {{coord|48.3657|-53.3958|display=inline|format=dms}} at [[Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador|Trinity]], [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]] on the former [[Newfoundland Railway]].<ref name="Harding2008">{{cite book|author=Les Harding|title=The Newfoundland Railway, 1898-1969: A History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AhgHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA86|date=5 February 2008|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-0839-6|pages=86–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/trinity-train-loop.php |title= Trinity Train Loop |author= Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador|date= January 2011|access-date= 25 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://heritagefoundation.ca/property-search/property-details-page.aspx?id=157|title= Trinity Train Loop Registered Heritage Structure|author= Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador |access-date= 25 October 2017}}</ref> 
* There used to be a spiral at [[Rogers Pass (British Columbia)#Railway|Rogers Pass]] at {{coord |51.301389 |-117.7913966 |display=inline |format=dms}} that was superseded when the [[Connaught Tunnel (British Columbia)]] was built.<ref name="Downs1985">{{cite book |author=Art Downs |title=Incredible Rogers Pass |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZY64jj0gQHQC&pg=PA27|date=1 May 1985|publisher=Heritage House Publishing Co |isbn=978-0-919214-08-8 |pages=27–}}</ref>

===China===
[[File:巡道工出品 photo by Xundaogong——关角B门 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Guanjiao Spiral on [[Qinghai–Tibet Railway]] at night. The route containing the spiral was replaced by [[New Guanjiao Tunnel|a 32-km long tunnel]] (at the time of completion the [[List of longest railway tunnels|longest]] in China) in 2014.]]
* There used to be a spiral at Guanjiao at {{coord|37.08442|98.873591|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Qinghai–Tibet Railway]]; it was replaced by a [[New Guanjiao Tunnel|tunnel]] in 2014. (see photo).<ref>{{cite web |title=Long Tunnels |url=https://www.eurotrib.com/story/2016/6/12/184015/726 |date=12 June 2016 |website=European Tribune |access-date=18 November 2020}}</ref>
* Spiral between Qingshiya and Guanyinshan at {{coord|34.2787|106.9867|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Baoji–Chengdu Railway]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Qingshiya station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/17770545 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
* Six spirals on the [[Chengdu–Kunming Railway]] at:
** South of Baishiyan at {{coord|28.7680|102.5737|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Quail2008">{{cite book|author=Quail Map Company|title=China Railway Atlas|edition=third|date=2008|publisher=Quail Map Company|isbn=978-1-898319-82-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Baishiyan station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/13850327 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Lewu at {{coord|28.2977|102.6226|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Quail2008" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Lewu station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/13940553|website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Wazu at {{coord|28.1983|102.5662|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Quail2008" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Wazu station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/13970673|website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Tiekou at {{coord|28.2304|102.5318|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Quail2008" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Tiekou station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/13980379|website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Ananzhuang at {{coord|25.4481|101.8211|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ananzhuang station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/14450174 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Longgudian at {{coord|25.4248|101.7761|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Longgudian station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/14460307 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
* Spiral at Shangshali at {{coord|48.7934|121.7274|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Harbin–Manzhouli Railway]].<ref name="Quail2008" />
* Spiral at Daheba at {{coord|28.3283|106.8385|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Sichuan–Guizhou railway]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Daheba station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/28010657 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
* Three spirals on the [[Liupanshui–Baiguo railway|Liupanshui–Hongguo Railway]] at: 
** Maocaoping at {{coord|26.2103|104.7170|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maocaoping station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/39230620 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Duchuanzhai at {{coord|26.1722|104.7308|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Duchuanzhai station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/39240815 |website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
** Sanjiazhai at {{coord|26.1593|104.7246|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sanjiazhai station |url=http://cnrail.geogv.org/enus/station/39250289|website=China Railway Map |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>
* There are four spirals on the [[Southern Xinjiang Railway]] at {{coord|42.8596|87.5310|display=inline|format=dms}}, {{coord|42.8346|87.2871|display=inline|format=dms}}, {{coord|42.8828|86.5431|display=inline|format=dms}} and {{coord|42.8604|86.4619|display=inline|format=dms}} on a by-passed section between Yu'ergou and Hejing that is now freight only. This line was rebuilt on a shorter route in 2014.<ref name="XJDaily20141229">{{cite web|language=zh |url=http://www.xj.xinhuanet.com/2014-12/29/c_1113809777.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822180702/http://www.xj.xinhuanet.com/2014-12/29/c_1113809777.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |title=袁蕾, 吐库二线正式开通运营 南疆铁路进入电气化时代 新疆日报 |trans-title=Yuan Lei, spit library second-tier official opening and operation of the Southern Xinjiang Railway electrification into the Xinjiang Daily Times (Machine generated) |date=2014-12-29 |author=Yuan Lei |access-date=2016-07-04}}</ref>

===Costa Rica===
Replica of the Brusio Spiral Viaduct at {{coord|10.47900|-84.82374|display=inline|format=dms}} on the ''Tren Turistico Arenal'', 10&nbsp;km east of Nuevo Arenal, Guanacaste.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Devereux|first=Nigel|title=Costa Rican rail variety|journal=The Railway Magazine|date=September 2017 |page=104 |publisher=Mortons Media Group Ltd.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Friends of Latin American Railways |url=https://www.ferrolatino.ch/en/reports/costarica/ |access-date=13 November 2018}}</ref>

===Croatia===
* Spiral between [[Rijeka|Rijeka-Brajdica]] and [[Sušak, Rijeka|Sušak-Pećine]] at {{coord|45.3241|14.4625|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Rijeka]]–[[Karlovac]] railway, part of International corridor V. The spiral is mainly in a {{cvt|1838|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} tunnel.<ref name="Balkans2017">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=3 September 2017 |title=European Railway Atlas Regional Series, The Balkans}}</ref>{{rp|215}}

===Eritrea===
* Spiral between [[Asmara]] and Arbaroba at {{coord|15.35475|38.98535|display=inline|format=dms}} on [[Eritrean Railway]]s. This spiral pushes the definition of a spiral as the line crosses itself but then immediately crosses back, and it does this in a tunnel.{{cn|date=March 2020}}

===France===
* Three spirals on the [[Col de Tende]] line between [[Ventimiglia]] to [[Cuneo]] as it passes through France, a further spiral on this line is in Italy.<ref name="TravellersMap2013">{{cite map |author=Benjaminse Uitgeverij BV |title=A Travellers' Railway map of Europe |year=2013 |scale=1:3800000 |publisher=Benjaminse Uitgeverij BV |cartography=Carto Studio BV |edition=3rd |isbn=978-90-77899-09-0 }}</ref><ref name="Ballitaly2016">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=15 July 2016 |title=European Railway Atlas Regional Series, Italy}}</ref>{{rp|155}}<ref name="Braun">{{cite magazine |last=Braun |first=Michel |date=April 2017 |title=The Col de Tende Line: A tortuous route and history |magazine=Today's Railways Europe |location=Sheffield, England |publisher=Platform 5 Publishing}}</ref><ref name="Michelin2011">{{cite book|title=Michelin Editions des Voyages|date=10 January 2011 |publisher=Michelin |isbn=978-2-06-715561-9}}</ref>
** Just north of [[Fontan (village)|Fontan]] at {{coord|44.016|N|7.566|E|display=inline|format=dms}}.
** Saint Dalmas-de-Tende at {{coord|44.0577|N|7.5938|E|display=inline|format=dms}}.
** [[Tende]] at {{coord|44.0987|N|7.5955|E|display=inline|format=dms}}.
* Spiral at [[Moûtiers]] at {{coord|45.485628|6.540444|region:FR_type:landmark_source:Google}} between [[Albertville]] and [[Bourg-Saint-Maurice]] used by [[TGV]].<ref name="Michelin2011" /><ref>{{cite web|title=La Boucle Loop Tunnel|url=https://structurae.net/structures/la-boucle-loop-tunnel |website=Structurae:International Database and Gallery of Structures|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Moûtiers, très ferroviphile en 2013 !|url=http://www.actumontagne.com/moutiers-tres-ferroviphile-en-2013-article_1419.html|website=Actu Montagne|publisher=The Serac Editions |access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref>
* Spiral partly in a tunnel at [[Claveisolles]] at {{coord|46.0888|N|4.4853|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Paray-le-Monial]] to [[Lozanne]] line (between [[Saint-Nizier-d'Azergues]] and [[Poule-les-Écharmeaux]]).<ref name="IanAllan2015">{{cite book|author=Ian Allan Publishing|title=Rail Atlas Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=msSEoAEACAAJ|date=20 March 2015|publisher=Ian Allan Publishing|isbn=978-0-7110-3808-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tunnels-ferroviaires.org/tu69/69060.1.pdf|title=Tunnel deVigue |website=Invetaire des tunnels ferroviaires de France |access-date=12 August 2019}}</ref>
* Spiral north of L'Hospitalet près l'Andorre at {{coord|42.605|N|1.8153|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the line between [[Latour-de-Carol]] and [[Ax-les-Thermes]].<ref name="Spain2019">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=15 February 2019 |title=European Railway Atlas Regional Series, Spain & Portugal}}</ref>{{rp|51}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tunnels-ferroviaires.org/tu09/09139.1.pdf|title=Tunnel de Saillens |website=Invetaire des tunnels ferroviaires de France |access-date=6 September 2020}}</ref>
* There used to be a spiral in the Sayerce tunnel at {{coord|42.8483|-0.546|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Pau–Canfranc railway]] line between [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Pau]] and [[Zaragoza]] (Spain) in the Pyrenees. This spiral is now a footpath.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tunnels-ferroviaires.org/tu64/64542.3.pdf |title=Tunnel de Sayerce|website=Invetaire des tunnels ferroviaires de France |access-date=24 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Michelin2011" />
* The proposed spirals between The Gravenne and Montpezat at {{coord|44.695047|4.21797}} on the partly completed [[:fr:Transcevenole line|Transcevenole line]] between [[Le Puy-en-Velay]] and [[Lalevade-d'Ardèche]] in the Cévennes were never constructed.

===Germany===
* Spiral, known as the [[Rendsburg Loop]], on the northern approach to the [[Rendsburg High Bridge]], a railway viaduct and [[transporter bridge]] crossing the [[Kiel Canal]] in [[Rendsburg]], [[Schleswig-Holstein]] at {{coord|54.2995046|9.6769807|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|43}}<ref name="HarlinghausenMerleker1986">{{cite book|author1=C. Harald Harlinghausen|author2=Hartmuth Merleker|title=Germany Federal Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O4hzbuvRlBEC|year=1986|publisher=Nagel|isbn=978-2-8263-0761-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=W.J.K.Davies|title=Railway Holiday in Northern Germany|publisher=David and Charles|year=1965}}</ref>{{rp|95}}
* Spiral on the [[Wutach Valley Railway]] at {{coord|47.7916136|8.5019723|display=inline|format=dms}}. The line was built partly for strategic reasons and had to be built to a reasonable gradient in order to haul heavy military trains over it. The alternative, shorter [[Singen]]–[[Waldshut-Tiengen|Waldshut]] route was not available for this traffic, since it crossed Swiss territory. The line is now a heritage railway.<ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|58}}<ref name="Division1945">{{cite book|author=Great Britain. Naval Intelligence Division|title=Germany: Ports and communications|url=https://archive.org/details/germany0003grea|url-access=registration|year=1945|publisher=Naval Intelligence Division}}</ref>

===India===
[[File:Agony point 1921.jpg|thumb|Loop (Agony Point) on the DHR, India]]
* There are currently three spirals on the [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]]:
** Chunbati Loop at {{coord|26.8416944|88.3410351|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Martin2006">{{cite book|author=Terry Martin|title=The Iron Sherpa: The Story of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, 1879-2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xt5oJ1Wqpc0C|year=2006|publisher=The Iron Sherpa by T. Martin|isbn=978-1-900622-10-3}}</ref>
** Agony Point at {{coord|26.8576792|88.3277078|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Martin2006" />
** Batasia Loop at {{coord|27.0167882|88.2471805|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Martin2006" />
The [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] originally had five or six spirals but only five in operation at any one time. The line also has six reverses or [[Zig zag (railway)|zig-zags]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Going Loopy |year=2005|publisher=Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society |isbn=0-9541602-2-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|title= Mountain Railways of India|author= UNESCO World Heritage|access-date= 7 November 2017}}</ref> 
* There used to be a spiral at [[Dhulghat Spiral|Dhulghat]] at {{coord|21.2827|76.7615|display=inline|format=dms}} between [[Khandwa]] and [[Hingoli]] on the metre gauge railway, the spiral was apparently removed{{Citation needed|reason=Need evidence that the gauge conversion has happened|date=September 2017}} when the track was upgraded to broad gauge.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Great Indian Railway Atlas |year=2005|publisher=Samit Roychoudhury |isbn=81-901457-0-3}}</ref>{{rp|41}}

===Iran===
* Spirals near Dowgal station at {{coord|35.8762337|52.9554674|display=inline|format=dms}} and extensive [[horseshoe curve]]s in the [[Alborz]] Mountains on the [[Trans-Iranian Railway]].<ref name="Hollingsworth1982" /><ref name="Hughes1981">{{cite book|author=Hugh Hughes|title=Middle East railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDxGAAAAYAAJ|year=1981|publisher=Continental Railway Circle|isbn=9780950346977}}</ref>

===Ireland===
* The [[Guinness Brewery|St. James's Gate Brewery]], [[Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] formerly had an internal {{Track gauge|22in|lk=on}} gauge railway with a loop in a tunnel to gain height between buildings.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ellison|first1=Paul|title=Guinness Brewery Tramways|url=http://www.irsociety.co.uk/Archives/22/Guinness.htm|website=The Industrial Railway Record|publisher=The Industrial Railway Society|access-date=8 December 2017|pages=337–347|date=December 1968}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Peaty |first=Ian P. |title=Brewery Railways |year=1985 |isbn=0-7153-8605-0 |publisher=David and Charles |location=Newton Abbot |pages=42–43}}</ref>

===Italy===
* Spiral at [[Bortigiadas]] {{coord|40.8918324|N|9.0563916|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the Sassari-Palau railway on Sardinia.<ref name="italy2009">{{cite book|title=Atlante Stradale Italia (Road Atlas) |year=2009 |publisher=Instituto Geografico DeAgostini |isbn=9788851114398 }}</ref>{{rp|179}}<ref name="Organ2013">{{cite book|author=John Organ|title=Sardinia and Sicily Narrow Gauge|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=myCHoAEACAAJ|date=November 2013|publisher=Middleton Press|isbn=978-1-908174-50-5}}</ref>
* Spiral near [[Lanusei]] {{coord|39.872545|N|9.540812|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Mandas]]–[[Gairo, Sardinia|Gairo]]–[[Arbatax]] railway on Sardinia.<ref name="italy2009" />{{rp|190}}<ref name="Organ2013" />
* Varzo Spiral Tunnel near [[Iselle di Trasquera railway station|Iselle di Trasquera]] {{coord|46.2125|N|8.2270|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Swiss Federal Railways]] just south of the Southern Portal of the [[Simplon Tunnel]].<ref name="TCMap2011" /><ref name="TravellersMap2013" /><ref name="italy2009" />{{rp|9}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71962196 |title=THE SIMPLON TUNNEL. |newspaper=[[The Capricornian]] |location=Rockhampton, Qld |date=15 October 1904 |access-date=19 March 2013 |page=21 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
* Spiral near [[Vernante]] {{coord|44.2368|N|7.5404|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Col de Tende]] railway from [[Ventimiglia]] to [[Cuneo]]. There are a further three spirals on this line in French territory.<ref name="italy2009" />{{rp|60}}<ref name="Ballitaly2016" />{{rp|155}}<ref name="Braun" />
* Spiral close to [[Savona]] at {{coord|44.3293|N|8.4476|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Savona]]–[[Altare]] line.<ref name="Kalla-Bishop1967">{{cite book|author=P. M. Kalla-Bishop|title=Railway Holiday in Italy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_7FQgAACAAJ|year=1967|publisher=David & Charles}}</ref><ref name="italy2009" />{{rp|62}}<ref name="Ballitaly2016" />{{rp|155}}
* Spiral just north of [[Salerno]] at {{coord|40.6957|N|14.7665|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Salerno]]–[[Mercato San Severino]] railway.<ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|86}}<ref name="italy2009" />{{rp|129}}<ref name="Ballitaly2016" />{{rp|164}}
* Spiral at [[Ragusa, Italy|Ragusa]] at {{coord|36.9198|N|14.7368|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the approach to [[Ragusa, Italy|Ragusa]] from [[Modica]] on Sicily.<ref>{{cite book|author=P. M. Kalla-Bishop|title=Mediterranean island railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=48BaAAAAYAAJ|year=1970|publisher=A. M. Kelley|page=47|isbn=9780678056530}}</ref><ref name="Ballitaly2016" />{{rp|168}}
* Spiral between Medaglie d'Oro and Salvator Rosa at {{coord|40.8478|N|14.2312|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on Line 1 of [[Naples Metro]]. [[Vanvitelli (Naples Metro)|Vanvitelli]] and Quattro Giornale stations are on the loop itself.<ref name="transit2007">{{cite book|last1=Ovenden|first1=Mark|title=Transit maps of the world|date=2007|publisher=Penguin Books|location=London|isbn=978-0-14-311265-5}}</ref>{{rp|112}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Map of Naples Metro 2017|url=http://www.anm.it/images/stories/PDF/mappametro2017.pdf|website=Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (ANM)|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref>
* Spiral at [[Casole Bruzio]] {{coord|39.278195|N|16.339308|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Cosenza]] to [[San Giovanni in Fiore]] line (line exists but is not in service).<ref name="Ball2016"/>{{rp|87}}
* There were three spirals at {{coord|42.7413|N|12.7828|E|display=inline|format=dms}} Caprareccia and {{coord|42.7415|N|12.8199|E|display=inline|format=dms}} and {{coord|42.7458|N|12.8204|E|display=inline|format=dms}} near [[San Martino Agelli|San Martino]] on the former [[Spoleto]]–[[Norcia]] line.<ref>{{cite web|title=The route of the former railway Spoleto-Norcia|url=http://www.bellaumbria.net/en/nature-and-environment/the-route-of-the-former-railway-spoleto-norcia/|website=Bella Umbria|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>

===Japan===
[[File:Okoba spiral and zig zag aerial photography 1976-001.jpg|thumb|Okoba spiral and [[Zig zag (railway)|zig zag]] in [[Hisatsu Line]], Japan ]]
[[File:3 Chome Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 105-0022, Japan - panoramio (3).jpg|thumb|Spiral loop, west of [[Rainbow Bridge (Tokyo)|Rainbow Bridge]] in Tokyo, Japan.]]
* Spiral South of Echigo-Nakazato at {{coord|36.896908|138.8356393|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Tokyo]] bound [[Jōetsu Line]].<ref name="JapanHistory">{{cite book|title=A History of Japanese Railways, 1872-1999|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xh5NAAAACAAJ|year=2000|publisher=East Japan Railway Culture Foundation|isbn=978-4-87513-089-5}}</ref><ref name="JapanMap">{{cite book |author=Shobunsha |title=All-Japan Road Atlas |year=2012 |publisher=昭文社 |isbn=978-4-398-60034-9}}</ref>{{rp|53}}<ref name="NDTA">{{cite book|title=National Defense Transportation Journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kJ3mAAAAMAAJ|year=1953|publisher=National Defense Transportation Association}}</ref>
* Spiral at [[Shimizu Tunnel]] at {{coord|36.805837|138.9923663|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Tokyo]]-bound [[Jōetsu Line]].<ref name="JapanHistory" /><ref name="JapanMap" />{{rp|53}}<ref name="NDTA" />
* Spiral South of [[Tsuruga Station]] at {{coord|35.6118281|136.07083|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Hokuriku Main Line]] to [[Shin-Hikida Station]].<ref name="JapanHistory" /><ref name="JapanMap" />{{rp|73}}
* Spiral at [[Okoba Station]] at {{coord|32.165707|130.7810953|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Hisatsu Line]]. Okoba Station is situated on a zig zag part way around the loop.<ref name="JapanMap" />{{rp|131}}
* Spiral on the [[Nakamura Line]] just after its junction with the [[Yodo Line]] at {{coord|33.159697|133.0907083|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="JapanMap" />{{rp|122}}
* Spiral on the western approach to the [[Rainbow Bridge (Tokyo)|Rainbow Bridge]] at {{coord|35.637366|139.7541263|display=inline|format=dms}} on [[Yurikamome|New Transit Yurikamome]] automated transit service in Tokyo.<ref name="transit2007" />{{rp|43}}<ref name="JapanMap" />{{rp|149}}

===Kenya===

There are three spirals on the {{RailGauge|1000mm}} [[Metre gauge|gauge]] railway line from [[Uganda Railway|Kenya to Uganda]]. This railway has been superseded by the [[Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway]], which has removed the need for spirals by constructing tunnels and bridges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya opens Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express railway|work=BBC News|date=31 May 2017|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-40092600|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ruthi|first1=William|title=Last ride on the Lunatic Express|url=http://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/DN2/Last-ride-on-the-kenya-Lunatic-Express/957860-3917650-vpvga7z/index.html|work=Daily Nation|date=8 May 2017|language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=End of the line for 'Lunatic Express?' Kenya begins multi-billion dollar railway|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/06/business/end-of-the-line-kenya-railway/index.html|website=CNN News|date=6 January 2014 |access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya's new Madaraka Express railway in pictures|work=BBC News |date=31 May 2017 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-40099643|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref>

* Spiral South of [[Mazeras]] at {{coord|-3.995608|39.5441203|display=inline|format=dms}} near Mombasa.
* Spiral near Makutano station at : {{coord|-0.043457|35.641461|display=inline|format=dms}}.
* Spiral near Equator station at {{coord|-0.007183|35.551033|display=inline|format=dms}}.
===Madagascar===
* Spiral at Anjiro at {{coord|-18.8657|47.9668|display=inline|format=dms}} on the main line from [[Antananarivo]] to [[Toamasina]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Voyages train voyageur (in French)|url=http://www.madarail.mg/voyages_train_voyageur.php|website=Madarail|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>

===Mexico===
* Spiral between [[Creel, Chihuahua|Creel]] and [[San Rafael, Chihuahua|San Rafael]] at {{coord|27.6548|-107.7391|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico]].<ref>{{Encyclopedia of North American Railroads|page=248}}</ref><ref name="Wampler1969">{{cite book|author=Joseph Wampler|title=New Rails to Old Towns: The Region and Story of the Ferrocarriles Chihuahua Al Pacífico|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0ixGAAAAYAAJ|year=1969|publisher=The Author}}</ref><ref name="Planet2014">{{cite book|author=Lonely Planet|title=Great Journeys: Travel the World's Most Spectacular Routes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qz1jBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT79|date=1 August 2014|publisher=Lonely Planet Publications|isbn=978-1-74360-593-6}}</ref>

===Myanmar===
[[File:Taunggyi line, Myanmar (Burma).jpg|thumb|Spiral in [[Thazi, Meiktila, Mandalay Region|Thazi]]&nbsp;– [[Taunggyi]] line, [[Burma|Myanmar]]]]
* One spiral on the [[Burma Mines Railway]] at {{coord|23.103540|97.323176|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>{{cite journal|title=On Burma Corporation Ltd|journal=Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy|date=1922|page=91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S88YAQAAIAAJ|access-date=23 December 2017|publisher=Australasian Institute of Mining Engineers}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Railway Gazette International|journal=Railway Gazette International|date=1937|volume=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iGIjAQAAMAAJ|access-date=23 December 2017|publisher=Reed Business Pub}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Dickinson|first1=Rob|title=The Burma Mines Railway 1999|url=http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/bmines.htm|website=The International Steam Pages|access-date=8 December 2017}}</ref>
* One spiral close to [[Shwenyaung]] at {{coord|20.7349|96.8633113|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Thazi, Meiktila, Mandalay Region|Thazi]]-[[Taunggyi]] line.<ref name="Enriquez1935">{{cite book|author=Colin Metcalfe Enriquez|title=Beautiful Burma|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yXpuAAAAMAAJ|year=1935|publisher=Myanmahita Magazine}}</ref>

===New Zealand===
* [[Raurimu Spiral]] at {{coord|-39.120337|175.4010443|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[North Island Main Trunk]]. The line is single track and involves two short tunnels around a suitable hill.<ref name="Pierre1981">{{cite book|author=Bill Pierre|title=North Island Main Trunk: An Illustrated History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yywSAQAAMAAJ|date=1 January 1981|publisher=A.H. & A.W. Reed|isbn=978-0-589-01316-5}}</ref><ref name="Nock1978" />
* Spiral on the [[Driving Creek Railway]] at {{coord|-36.73535|175.50551|display=inline|format=dms}}. This railway also has several reverses or zig-zags.<ref name=WATERWORLD>{{cite news|title=Coromandel: Water world|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10576645|access-date=13 December 2017|newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=7 June 2009|first=Sarah|last=Lang}}</ref>
* There used to be a spiral at {{coord|-38.706870|175.365488|display=inline|format=dms}}<!--still visible on aerial photography--> on the [[Ellis and Burnand Tramway, Ongarue]], which closed in 1958 and is now part of the [[Timber Trail#Southern section|Timber Trail]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mahoney|first1=Paul|title=Bush trams and other log transport - Curves, trestles and inclines|url=http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/bush-trams-and-other-log-transport/page-5|website=Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|access-date=13 December 2017|date=24 Sep 2007}}</ref>

===Norway===
* Spiral on the [[Flåm Line]] between [[Myrdal]] and [[Flåm]] at {{coord|60.744|7.1315|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="IanAllan2015" /><ref>{{cite book | last=Owen | first=Roy | title=Norwegian railways : from Stephenson to high speed | publisher=Balholm Press | publication-place=Hitchin | date=1996 | isbn=0-9528069-0-8 | oclc=43127416 |page=159}}</ref>
* Spiral on the [[Vestfold Line]] around the town of [[Tønsberg]] at {{coord|59.2787|10.4082|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref>Sigurd H. Unneberg, ''Sem og Slagen, en bygdebok'' Bind 2, Kulturhistorie, del 2 . Tønsberg: Høgskolen i Vestfold, 2001. Relevant chapter is online [http://www-bib.hive.no/tekster/sem_slagen/kulturhistorie2_2/samferdsel.html here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230809/http://www-bib.hive.no/tekster/sem_slagen/kulturhistorie2_2/samferdsel.html |date=2016-03-03|accessdate=9 March 2020}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

===Peru===
* Spiral between San Bartolome and Matucana at {{coord|-11.8669|-76.4207|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ferrocarril Central Andino|Central Railway]].{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

===Russia===
* Spiral just north of Indyuk at {{coord|44.2466227|39.2422978|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[North Caucasus Railway]] route from [[Tuapse]] (Tуапсе) through Gornyy to [[Belorechensk, Krasnodar Krai|Belorechensk]] (Белореченск).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Popov |first1=Yuri |title=Severo-Kavkazskaya Railroad, 06-05 Sochi |url=http://www-personal.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/06-05-06_sochi.gif |website=Railroad Maps |publisher=University of Michigan |access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Большой петлевой тоннель [Large loop tunnel] |url=http://www.bamts.ru/pro/madepro/petlevoi_big.php |website=BAMTONNELSTROY |access-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121160459/http://www.bamts.ru/pro/madepro/petlevoi_big.php |archive-date=21 November 2019 |language=ru}}</ref>
* There used to be a spiral at "Devil's Bridge", {{coord|46.9871792|142.1150693|display=inline|format=dms}} on the now abandoned line from [[Kholmsk]] to [[Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk railway station|Yushno-Sakhalinsk]] on [[Sakhalin|Sakhalin Island]].{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

===Serbia===
* Spiral at Jatare at {{coord|43.800867|19.5198113|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Šargan Eight|Šargan Eight Heritage Railway]] in Western Serbia between from [[Mokra Gora]] and Šargan Vitasi.<ref name="IanAllan2015"/><ref name="Balkans2017" />{{rp|222}}

===Slovakia===
* Spiral at [[Telgárt|Telgártska slučka]] at {{coord|48.855024|20.1912296|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Brezno]] to [[Gelnica]] Line. The spiral is constructed of two viaducts and a {{cvt|1,200|m|ft}} tunnel.<ref name="IanAllan2015" />

===South Africa===
* Spiral near [[Komga]] at {{coord|-32.5343497|27.9921599|display=inline|format=dms}} on the branch line to [[Mthatha]] as it descends to the [[Great Kei River]].<ref name="AfricaBoard1947">{{cite book|author1=South Africa|author2=South Africa. Railways and Harbours Board|title=Their Majesties the King and Queen and Their Royal Highnesses the Princess Elizabeth and the Princess Margaret in the Union of South Africa: February-April 1947|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9YUwAAAAIAAJ|year=1947|publisher=South African Railways}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Guide to Southern Africa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sJEKAQAAIAAJ|year=1971|publisher=S. Low, Marston & Company}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kei Rail revival will support regional development|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/kei-rail-revival-will-support-regional-development.html?sword_list[]=kei&sword_list[]=rail&no_cache=1|website=Railway Gazette International|access-date=23 December 2017|date=1 July 2008}}</ref>
* Spiral at [[Van Reenen]]'s Pass at {{coord|-28.3707|29.3881|display=inline|format=dms}} on the line from [[Harrismith]] to [[Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal|Ladysmith]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Openbare Werke, Anleg, en Vervoer|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EEUlAQAAIAAJ|year=1959|publisher=Thomson Publications.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=NATAL-ORANGE FREE STATE railway link|journal=The Railway Gazette|date=July 1961|volume=115|page=343}}</ref><ref name="ShortenCouncil1970">{{cite book|author1=John R. Shorten|author2=Johannesburg (South Africa). City Council|title=The Johannesburg saga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hkJBAQAAIAAJ|year=1970|publisher=John R. Shorten (Proprietary) ltd.}}</ref>

===South Korea===
[[File:Jungang Line - Geumdae 2nd Tunnel 060606.JPG|thumb|Geumdae 2nd Tunnel in [[Jungang Line]], [[South Korea]] ]]
* Spiral at Hambaek 1st Tunnel at {{coord|37.2219|128.7027|display=inline|format=dms}} between Hambaek station and Jodong station on the [[Hambaek Line]];– one loop, single track.<ref name="Quail1996" />
* Spiral at Solan Tunnel at {{coord|37.1585|129.0308|display=inline|format=dms}} between East Baeksan station and Dogye station on the [[Yeongdong Line]]. There is one loop on a single track railway but double track is installed in the middle of the tunnel to enable trains from opposing directions to pass each other.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.samboeng.co.kr/result/result02_10_eng.html |title=Design/Construction Package Yeongdong Line Relocation (Dongbaeksan - Dogye) |publisher=Sambo Engineering |access-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722135933/http://www.samboeng.co.kr/result/result02_10_eng.html |archive-date=22 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cse.co.kr/eng/results/res_D.asp?idx=291 |title=Detailed design of Yeongdong Line for railway moving establishment construction work between Dongbaeksan and Dogye |publisher=Chunsuk Engineering |access-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722134437/http://www.cse.co.kr/eng/results/res_D.asp?idx=291 |archive-date=22 July 2011 }}</ref>
* There used to be a spiral at Daegang Tunnel at {{coord|36.9209|128.3795|display=inline|format=dms}} between Danseong station and Jungnyeong station on the [[Jungang Line]];– one loop, single track.<ref name="Quail1996">{{cite map|author=Quail Map Company|title=Korea, North and South Railway Map|date=1996|publisher=Quail Map Company|isbn=978-1-898319-21-4}}</ref> A new double track tunnel has opened which by-passes the line with the spiral, which has since closed.{{cn|date=January 2023}}<!--See the map and description at Jungang Line-->
* There used to be a spiral at Ddwari Tunnel at {{coord|37.2738|128.0216|display=inline|format=dms}} between Geumgyo station and Chiak station on [[Jungang Line]]. A new double track tunnel has opened which by-passes the line with the spiral, which has since closed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=087&aid=0000803653|title = 중앙선 원주~제천 복선전철 시운전 돌입…연말 개통|trans-title=Joongang Line Wonju-Jecheon double-track train trial run... year-end opening |date=23 June 2020|last=Lee |first=Myung-woo}}</ref>

===Spain===
* Spiral near [[Toses]] at {{coord|42.3252|N|2.0307|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ripoll]] to [[Latour-de-Carol]], France line.<ref name="TCMap2011" /><ref name="spain2003">{{cite book|title=Collins Road Atlas: Spain and Portugal (Road Atlas) |year=2002 |publisher=Collins |isbn=0007140738 }}</ref>{{rp|30}}
* Spiral at La Granja de San Vicente at {{coord|42.605|N|6.2883|W|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Palencia]] to [[A Coruña]] line.<ref name="spain2003" />{{rp|18}}<ref>{{cite map |title=Torre del Bierzo |map=159-II  |year=2002 |scale=1:25000 |publisher=Mapa Topografico Nacional de Espana |edition=2nd}}</ref>

===Sri Lanka===
* Spiral at [[Demodara railway station]] at {{coord|6.902874|81.062919|display=inline|format=dms}} on the line from [[Bandarawela]] to [[Badulla]]. [[Demodara railway station]] is located above the spiral tunnel.<ref name="Cumaranatunga2009">{{cite book|author=P. N. Cumaranatunga|title=Patriots of Lanka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZwZWAAAAYAAJ|year=2009|publisher=P.N. Cumaranatunga|isbn=978-955-658-116-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ratnasinghe|first1=Aryadasa|title=Train to Badulla|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990613/plus12.html|website=The Sunday Times - Sri Lanka|access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref>

===Switzerland===
[[File:Albulabahn01.jpg|thumb|Toua spiral tunnel on the [[Rhaetian Railway|RhB]] [[Albula Railway|Albulabahn]]]]
* The [[Gotthard railway]] has spirals and [[Horseshoe curve | horseshoe curves or bends]] mostly in tunnels on its [[standard gauge]], double track line. The spirals are:
**  North of Wassen at Pfaffensprung on the Northern approach at {{coord|46.722034|8.6095033|display=inline|format=dms}}, this loop is followed by two horseshoe bends around [[Wassen]].<ref name="Nock1978">{{cite book |author=Nock O.S. |title=World Atlas of Railways |year=1978 |publisher=Mitchell Beazley |isbn=0-86134-003-5}}</ref><ref name="Swiss2016">{{cite book |last=Ball |first=Mike |date=15 July 2016 |title=European Railway Atlas Regional Series, Switzerland}}</ref>{{rp|143}}
** Piottino spirals on the Southern approach at {{coord|46.494787|8.7370045|display=inline|format=dms}} and at {{coord|46.486278|8.7688043|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Nock1978"/><ref name="Swiss2016"/>{{rp|143}}
** Biaschina double spiral near [[Anzonico]] at {{coord|46.423613|8.861917|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Nock1978"/><ref name="Swiss2016"/>{{rp|149}}
* [[Rhaetian Railway|RhB]] [[Albula Railway|Albulabahn]] has four spirals, mainly in tunnels, on its [[Metre gauge railway|metre gauge]] single track. The spirals are at:
** [[Filisur]] at {{coord|46.675145|9.6851513|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Nock1978" /><ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|144}}<ref name="Westwood2009">{{cite book|author=John Westwood|title=The Historical Atlas of World Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2IMvQQAACAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Cartographica Press|isbn=978-1-84573-428-2}}</ref>
** South of [[Bergün]] at {{coord|46.603132|9.7176171|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Nock1978" /><ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|144}}<ref name="Westwood2009"/>
** Double spiral North of [[Preda]] at {{coord|46.596291|9.7425725|display=inline|format=dms}}.<ref name="Nock1978" /><ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|144}}<ref name="Westwood2009"/>
** It could also be argued that the horseshoe curves immediately South of [[Bergün]] at {{coord|46.621283|9.7524213|display=inline|format=dms}} also form a spiral as it appears that one curve overlaps the other.<ref name="Nock1978" /><ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|144}}<ref name="Westwood2009"/>
* [[Brusio spiral viaduct]] at {{coord|46.251333|10.1209571|display=inline|format=dms}} on [[Rhaetian Railway|RhB]] [[Bernina railway|Berninabahn]]. This is a fine example of an open spiral mainly on the [[Brusio spiral viaduct]] on a metre gauge single track railway.<ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|145}}
* Spiral South of [[Gletsch]] at {{coord|46.5577|8.3550773|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Furka Oberalp Bahn]], now [[Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway|Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke]] Heritage Railway. This is a single track partial [[rack railway]] with the [[Overhead line|catenary]] equipment removed.<ref name="Lambert2005">{{cite book|author=Anthony J. Lambert|title=Switzerland: Rail, Road, Lake|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xp29nKq6BTYC|year=2005|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|isbn=978-1-84162-132-6}}</ref>
* Spiral East of [[Grengiols]] at {{coord|46.378156|8.0948933|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Furka Oberalp Bahn]], now [[Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn]], between [[Grengiols]] and [[Lax, Switzerland|Lax]].<ref name="Swiss2016" />{{rp|148}}

===Taiwan===
[[Image:Tunnel114.jpg|thumb|Triple spiral loop on the [[Alishan Forest Railway]]]]
* Triple spiral (with long sections in tunnels) at Dulishan at {{coord|23.5363374|N|120.6019135|E|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Alishan Forest Railway]].<ref name="Company1993">{{cite book|author=Quail Map Company|title=China Railway Atlas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3uMHQAACAAJ|edition=first|date=1 January 1993|publisher=Quail Map Company|isbn=978-0-900609-94-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Taiwan Railway 1966-1970|year=2011|publisher=Loren Aandahl|isbn=978-0-615-39162-5}}</ref> Track length is 5 kilometers, while the endpoints of the spiral are only 570 meters apart horizontally and 233 meters vertically.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tamara |last=Hinson |url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250613-taiwans-epic-train-ride-through-50-tunnels |title=Taiwan's epic train ride through 50 tunnels and 77 bridges |website=BBC.com |date=15 June 2025 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref>

===Uganda===
* There used to be a spiral at Circle Hill {{coord|0.1902|30.3634|display=inline|format=dms}} on the Western Uganda Extension of the [[Uganda Railway|Kenya to Uganda Railway Line]] to [[Kasese]].<ref name="AminMatheson1986">{{cite book|author1=Mohamed Amin|author2=Alastair Matheson|author3=Duncan Willetts|title=Railway across the Equator: the story of the East African line|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y8xdAAAAIAAJ|year=1986|publisher=Bodley Head|isbn=978-0-370-30774-9}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
[[File:Dduallt spiral simkins.jpg|thumb|The bridge on the spiral loop at [[Dduallt railway station|Dduallt]] on the [[Ffestiniog Railway]], Wales.]]
* Spiral around [[Dduallt railway station]] at {{coord|52.9602|-3.9686|region:GB|display=inline|format=dms}} on the [[Ffestiniog Railway]] in [[Wales]].<ref name="Heavyside1980">{{cite book|author=G. T. Heavyside|title=Narrow Gauge Into the Eighties|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9FpPAAAAMAAJ|year=1980|publisher=David and Charles|isbn=978-0-7153-7979-0}}</ref><ref name="Westwood2009" /><ref name="Baker2010">{{cite book|author=S. K. Baker|title=Rail Atlas Great Britain and Ireland|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=45KKQgAACAAJ|year=2010|publisher=Oxford Publishing Company|isbn=978-0-86093-632-9}}</ref>
* The line at {{coord|50.4451597|-4.4768321|region:GB|display=inline|format=dms}} from Moorswater cement terminal, through [[Coombe Junction Halt railway station|Coombe Junction]] and [[Liskeard railway station|Liskeard]] on the [[Looe Valley Line]] and on over [[Cornwall Railway viaducts#Moorswater|Moorswater Viaduct]] forms a complete spiral, climbing up to join the main line at Liskeard. Not all parts are used by passenger trains.<ref name="Publishing1982">{{cite book|author=Ian Allan Publishing|title=Pre-Grouping Railway Junction Diagrams 1914|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oBMMAAAAYAAJ|year=1982|publisher=Ian Allan Publishing|isbn=978-0-7110-1256-1}}</ref><ref name="Baker2010"/>

===United States===
[[File:Tehachapi Loop USGS closeup.jpg|thumb|[[Tehachapi Loop]], on the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], California, United States, viewed from the air.]]
[[File:Riflesight Notch 1903.PNG|thumb|1903 view of Riflesight Notch loop, near [[Rollins Pass]] in Colorado]]

* [[Tehachapi Loop]], at [[Tehachapi, California]] at {{coord|35.200833|-118.536944|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] Railroad, now part of [[Union Pacific Railroad]].<ref name="Griswold1992">{{cite book|author=P. R. Griswold|title=Railroads of California: Seeing the State by Rail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iD9aa7Hh2eMC&pg=PA37|year=1992|publisher=American Traveler Press|isbn=978-1-55838-121-6}}</ref><ref name="Ingles2001">{{cite book|author=J. David Ingles|title=Guide to North American Railroad Hot Spots|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1pniJRlKXMQC&pg=PA31|year=2001|publisher=Kalmbach Publishing, Co.|isbn=978-0-89024-373-2}}</ref>
* [[Williams Loop]], east of [[East Quincy, California]] at {{coord|39.910131|-120.807949|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Western Pacific Railroad]] now part of [[Union Pacific Railroad]].<ref name="Solomon">{{cite book|author=Brian Solomon|title=Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway|year=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S2ktV7MzsE4C&pg=PA271|publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-1-61060-361-4}}</ref>
* Hiwassee Loop, also known as the Hook and Eye; 2 miles NNE of [[Farner, Tennessee]] at {{coord|35.181257|-84.299707|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Atlanta, Knoxville and Northern Railway]] now operated as a [[heritage railroad]] by the [[Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum]], which operates excursion trains from [[Etowah, Tennessee]] to [[Copperhill, Tennessee]] via the loop, as well as trains just to the loop and back from Etowah.<ref name="Klein1972">{{cite book|author=Maury Klein|title=History of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rCr24DyEDjgC&pg=PA309|year=1972|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|isbn=0-8131-2915-X}}</ref>
* [[Georgetown Loop Railroad|Georgetown Loop]], at [[Georgetown, Colorado]] at {{coord|39.7005794|-105.7087871|display=inline|format=dms}} on the former [[Colorado Central Railroad]]. The spiral was completed in 1884, abandoned and dismantled in 1939, rebuilt between 1972 and 1984 and is now owned by [[History Colorado]] and operated as the [[Georgetown Loop Railroad]].<ref name="GriswoldGriswold1988">{{cite book|author1=Phelps R. Griswold|author2=Bob Griswold|title=Railroads of Colorado: A Guide to Modern and Narrow Gauge Trains|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cprhvrhZK88C&pg=PA20|year=1988|publisher=American Traveler Press|isbn=978-1-55838-088-2}}</ref>
* The [[MAX Red Line]], a [[light rail]] line in [[Portland, Oregon]], loops over itself at {{coord|45.5307|-122.5636|display=inline|format=dms}} in the vicinity of the [[Gateway Transit Center]].<ref name="MAX">{{cite news|author=John William Howard|url=https://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/376668-262405-trimet-considering-expansion-of-max-red-line-to-county-fairgrounds|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026212930/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/376668-262405-trimet-considering-expansion-of-max-red-line-to-county-fairgrounds|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 26, 2017|title=TriMet considering expansion of MAX Red Line to county fairgrounds|access-date=2018-01-15|date=October 26, 2017|newspaper=[[Portland Tribune]]}}</ref>
* In the Loop District of the [[Alaska Railroad]] at {{coord|60.660062|-149.041251|display=inline|format=dms}}<!--still visible on aerial photography--> between [[milepost]]s 48 and 51 northeast of [[Seward, Alaska]], there was a spiral and a [[horseshoe curve]] both on an extensive range of timber [[trestle bridge|trestle]]s up to 106 feet high. Track relocation in 1951 removed all of this but added a new horseshoe at milepost 48. <ref>Prince, B.D.''The Alaska Railroad in Pictures 1914-1964''; Ken Wray's Print Shop, Anchorage, 1964</ref>
* Abandoned spiral at Riflesight Notch Loop at [[Rollinsville, Colorado]] at {{coord|39.9001|-105.7130|display=inline|format=dms}}<!--still visible on aerial photography--> on the former [[Denver and Salt Lake Railway]] route over [[Rollins Pass]]. The spiral was bypassed by the [[Moffat Tunnel]] built in 1928, and was dismantled in 1935.<ref name="LeMassena1984">{{cite book|author=R. A. LeMassena|title=Colorado's mountain railroads|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1-S3AAAAIAAJ|date=June 1984|publisher=Smoking Stack Press}}</ref>
* Abandoned spiral called Double Circle, or Double Loop, or The Golden Circle, at {{coord|39.985246|-112.044138|display=inline|format=dms}}  east of [[Eureka, Utah]] on the former Tintic branch of the [[Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad]]. It was bypassed in 1940 and the branch removed in 1943.<ref name="drgnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.drgw.net/info/TinticBranch |title=D&RGW Tintic Branch History|access-date=2016-09-13}}</ref><ref name="utrails1">{{cite web|url=http://utahrails.net/articles/tintic.php |title=Railroads and Mining at Tintic|access-date=2016-09-13}}</ref><ref name="utrails2">{{cite web|url=http://www.expeditionutah.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5086 |title= Eureka Ghost Rail: Tintic Range Railroad|access-date=2016-09-13}}</ref>
* Abandoned spiral on the [[Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad|Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad]] at {{coord|37.0426|-122.0649|display=inline|format=dms}}. The spiral was completed in 1963. The spiral was bypassed by two [[Zig zag (railway)|switchbacks]] after a trestle fire in 1976.<ref name="KifleGoodman2013">{{cite book|author1=Beniam Kifle|author2=Nathan Goodman|title=Roaring Camp Railroads|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x-mCwXEWwP8C&pg=PA69|year=2013|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-1-4671-2996-1}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Spiral bridge]] - road equivalent
* [[Hairpin turn]]
* [[List of steepest gradients on adhesion railways]]
* [[Zig zag (railway)|Zig Zag Railways]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Spiral loops}}
* [http://www.steamlocomotive.com/model/trackage.shtml Helixes, Tunnels, Spirals, and Other Unique Trackage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215171631/http://www.steamlocomotive.com/model/trackage.shtml |date=2013-12-15 }}

{{Railway track layouts}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spiral (Railway)}}
[[Category:Railway track layouts]]
[[Category:Spirals|railway]]