§ 213.103 - Ballast; general.

§ 213.103 Ballast; general.

Unless it is otherwise structurally supported, all track shall be supported by material which will -

(a) Transmit and distribute the load of the track and railroad rolling equipment to the subgrade;

(b) Restrain the track laterally, longitudinally, and vertically under dynamic loads imposed by railroad rolling equipment and thermal stress exerted by the rails;

(c) Provide adequate drainage for the track; and

(d) Maintain proper track crosslevel, surface, and alinement.