standaardspoorgauge

Standard gauge, often referred to as standaardspoorgauge in Dutch, is a railway track gauge of 1,435 millimeters or 4 feet 8 1/2 inches. It is the most widely used railway gauge in the world, serving as the standard for approximately 60 percent of the world's railways. This measurement is predominantly used across North America, much of Europe, and China, forming the backbone of major high-speed rail networks and heavy freight transport systems.

The specific dimensions are historically derived from the wheel gauges of horse-drawn vehicles used in Roman Britain and England. During the early 19th century, George Stephenson adopted this width for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, solidifying its use in the British railway system. Despite early competition from broader gauges, such as the Great Western Railway's 7-foot gauge, standard gauge eventually became the global norm due to the dominance of British engineering exports.

The primary advantage of standard gauge is interoperability. It allows trains to cross borders and transfer between different railway networks without the technical difficulties or delays associated with variable track widths. While narrower gauges remain useful in mountainous regions and broader gauges are utilized for increased stability and load capacity, standard gauge provides a balanced compromise. Consequently, it remains the preferred choice for modern infrastructure development aimed at seamless international connectivity.