[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 128 (Thursday, July 3, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36138-36189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16663]
[[Page 36137]]
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Part III
Department of Transportation
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Federal Railroad Administration
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49 CFR Part 213
Track Safety Standards; Miscellaneous Proposed Revisions; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 128 / Thursday, July 3, 1997 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 36138]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
49 CFR Part 213
[Docket No. RST-90-1, Notice No. 5]
RIN 2130-AA75
Track Safety Standards; Miscellaneous Proposed Revisions
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: FRA proposes to amend the Track Safety Standards in order to
update and enhance its track safety regulatory program. These proposed
amendments present additional regulatory requirements necessary to
address today's railroad operating environment including the
introduction of standards specifically addressing high speed train
operations. FRA proposes these changes to improve track safety and
provide the railroad industry with the flexibility needed to effect a
safer and more efficient use of resources. The proposed amendments
reflect consensus recommendations submitted to FRA by the Railroad
Safety Advisory Committee.
DATES: Written comments: Written comments must be received before
September 15, 1997. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent possible without incurring additional expense
or delay.
Public hearing: A public hearing will be held in Washington, D.C.
to allow interested parties the opportunity to comment on specific
issues addressed in the NPRM. FRA will announce at a later date in this
publication the date and location of the hearing.
ADDRESSES: Written comments: Comments should identify the docket number
and the notice number and should be submitted in triplicate to: Docket
Clerk, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, 400
Seventh Street, S.W., Mail Stop 10, Washington, D.C. 20590. Persons
desiring to be notified that their written comments have been received
by FRA should include with their comments a stamped, self-addressed
postcard. The Docket Clerk will indicate on the postcard the date on
which the comments were received and will return the card to the
addressee. Written comments will be available for examination during
regular business hours in Room 7051 of FRA headquarters at 1120 Vermont
Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Public hearing: The date and location of the public hearing will be
announced at a later date in this publication.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allison H. MacDowell, Office of Safety
Enforcement, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W.,
Mail Stop 25, Washington, D.C. 20590 (telephone: 202-632-3344), or
Nancy Lummen Lewis, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Mail Stop 10, Washington,
D.C. 20590 (telephone: 202-632-3174).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introductory Statement
The text of the following proposed rule was recommended to FRA by
the agency's Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), a standing
committee composed of 48 representatives of the rail industry, rail
labor and other interested parties, as well as FRA. The committee is
tasked by the Federal Railroad Administrator (the Administrator) to
formulate and present to FRA recommendations for new regulations and
revisions of existing ones. The committee operates under a set of
procedures provided to and discussed with all its members when the RSAC
was first established.
In accordance with the procedures, the specific provisions of the
proposed rule were developed by the Track Working Group, a subcommittee
of the RSAC, which met periodically over a span of six months in 1996
to discuss track safety issues, developments in the industry, and
possible solutions to current safety challenges. Each provision
contained in the proposed rule received unanimous approval by the
members of the Track Working Group, which included approximately 30
representatives from railroads, rail labor, trade associations, state
government, track equipment manufacturers, and FRA. Such consensus is
required by RSAC procedures before a proposal can be presented to the
RSAC for consideration.
On October 18, 1996, all RSAC members were provided copies of the
Track Working Group's proposed rule for review. At a public meeting on
October 31, 1996, the Track Working Group presented its proposed rule
to the RSAC for approval to recommend it to the Administrator. After
discussion, the RSAC agreed, at the request of the Brotherhood of
Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE), to defer the vote on whether to
recommend the proposed rule to the Administrator to provide that
organization additional time to inform its members. The RSAC conducted
a formal vote by mail on November 21, 1996. At that time,
representatives of many of the labor unions withdrew support of the
proposed rule and recommended that it be returned to the Track Working
Group for further discussion.
Despite the lack of support by many RSAC representatives of rail
labor, the number of votes cast in favor of recommending the proposed
rule to the Administrator exceeded the number necessary for a simple
majority. RSAC's procedures provide that where there is a majority vote
to recommend to the Administrator a rule presented to the RSAC with
full consensus of the working group that produced it, the RSAC will
recommend adoption of the rule by the Administrator. Following those
procedures, the RSAC formally recommended to the Administrator that FRA
issue the proposed rule as it was drafted. The following proposed rule
is the same rule text and preamble developed by the Track Working
Group. However, the regulatory evaluation for the proposed rule varies
somewhat from that submitted by the Track Working Group.
The cost/benefit evaluation of a proposed rule that enjoys
unanimous support by all of the affected parties may contain
assumptions which would not be appropriate for an analysis of a
proposed rule that receives less than unanimous support. For example,
unanimous support makes it easier to assume that costs are justified by
benefits where they may be difficult to quantify. The Track Working
Group submitted to the RSAC its proposed rule and cost/benefit analysis
as it was approved by the group with unanimous consensus. As noted
above, however, in the RSAC vote, members who represent almost entirely
one definable segment of the rail industry voted to recommend that the
proposed rule be returned to the working group for additional work.
While the Track Working Group's proposed rule received majority
consensus in the RSAC, its cost/benefit analysis was based on a premise
that it would receive unanimous consensus.
In acknowledgment of the change in assumptions, FRA has attempted
to incorporate additional data in the cost/benefit analysis that has
been placed in the docket. The analysis cannot answer some important
questions with the limited data now available. FRA requests that
parties who have access to this data submit them to FRA during the
comment period for this notice.
[[Page 36139]]
Specifically, FRA requests the following additional information:
What nonreportable accidents occur on excepted track? How
many are there by category and what do they cost? How much excepted
track does not comply with the proposed gage standard, and how much
will it cost to bring it into compliance?
What accidents have been caused by the use of personnel
not qualified under Sec. 213.7 to move trains over defective track? How
many are there by category and what do they cost? Have any accidents
been caused by qualified personnel who have not received
requalification training? How many are there by category and what do
they cost?
What accidents have been caused by torch-cut bolt holes in
Class 2 track? How many are there by category and what do they cost?
What accidents have been caused by torch-cut rails or
joint bars reconfigured by torch cutting? How many are there by
category and what do they cost?
How many miles of track, by class would not comply with
the proposed crosstie standard, and how much will it cost to bring them
into compliance?
What accidents have been caused by failure to operate a
switch during inspections? How many are there by category and what do
they cost?
What accidents have been caused by inadequate inspection
where the inspection involved inspection of multiple tracks from a hi-
rail vehicle? How many are there by category and what do they cost?
What other data do you have concerning the areas addressed
by the benefit/cost analysis?
Information pertaining to these subjects should be submitted to the
Docket Clerk, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration,
400 Seventh Street, S.W., Mail Stop 10, Washington, D.C. 20590.
With this notice, FRA proposes to revise the Track Safety
Standards, 49 C.F.R. Part 213, using the proposed rule developed by the
Track Working Group and recommended by majority consensus by the RSAC,
including the preamble and the cost/benefit evaluation as modified by
FRA. The proposed rule is as follows:
I. Statutory Background
The Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act of 1992, Public Law 102-
365,106 Stat. 972 (September 3, 1992), later amended by the Federal
Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994, Public Law 103-440, 108
Stat. 4615 (November 2, 1994), requires FRA to revise the track safety
regulations contained in 49 CFR Part 213. Now codified at 49 U.S.C.
Sec. 20142, the amended statute requires:
``(a) Review of Existing Regulations.--Not later than March 3,
1993, the Secretary of Transportation shall begin a review of
Department of Transportation regulations related to track safety
standards. The review at least shall include an evaluation of--
(1) procedures associated with maintaining and installing
continuous welded rail and its attendant structure, including cold
weather installation procedures;
(2) the need for revisions to regulations on track excepted from
track safety standards; and
(3) employee safety.
(b) Revision of Regulations.--Not later than September 1, 1995, the
Secretary shall prescribe regulations and issue orders to revise track
safety standards, considering safety information presented during the
review under subsection (a) of this section and the report of the
Comptroller General submitted under subsection (c) of this section.
* * * * *
(d) Identification of Internal Rail Defects.--In carrying out
subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall consider whether or not to
prescribe regulations and issue orders concerning--
(1) inspection procedures to identify internal rail defects, before
they reach imminent failure size, in rail that has significant
shelling; and
(2) any specific actions that should be taken when a rail surface
condition, such as shelling, prevents the identification of internal
defects.''
II. Regulatory Background
The first Federal Track Safety Standards were implemented in
October, 1971, following the enactment of the Federal Railroad Safety
Act of 1970 in which Congress granted to FRA comprehensive authority
over ``all areas of railroad safety.'' See 36 FR 20336 and 49 U.S.C.
20101 et seq. FRA envisioned the new standards to be an evolving set of
safety requirements subject to continuous revision allowing the
regulations to keep pace with industry innovations and agency research
and development.
FRA amended the Track Safety Standards with minor revisions several
times in the past two decades. It began a project to revise the
standards extensively in 1978, but later withdrew the effort when
investigation revealed that considerably more data collection and
analysis were necessary to support recommended revisions. A less
extensive revision of the Track Safety Standards was issued in
November, 1982. Since then, FRA has acquired much information crucial
to further development of the Track Safety Standards through the
enhanced statistical analysis capabilities resulting from additional
field reporting requirements and improved data collection processes.
III. Petitions for Rulemaking
In May, 1990, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees
(BMWE) filed a petition with FRA to revise the Track Safety Standards.
The petition suggested substantive changes to the standards, the
addition of new regulations addressing recent developments in the
industry, as well as the reinstatement of many of the regulations
deleted from the standards in 1982. The BMWE also petitioned FRA to
further address employee safety by incorporating in the Track Safety
Standards certain sections of the Occupational Safety and Health
Standards presently administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
In March, 1992, the Association of American Railroads (AAR)
submitted to FRA a list of recommended revisions to the Track Safety
Standards. The AAR suggested some changes in the wording of existing
regulations to provide additional flexibility to accommodate future
innovations in railroad technology. Several suggested revisions
included new approaches to determining compliance with certain existing
regulations. Most notable among those was AAR's proposal that the
revised track standards permit the use of a Gage Restraint Measuring
System (GRMS) in place of detailed crosstie and fastener requirements.
Lengthy discussions within the Track Working Group failed to result in
any agreement about that proposal, and the RSAC postponed making a
recommendation about the use of GRMS. On the other hand, RSAC
recommended that railroads develop individual programs for installation
and maintenance of continuous welded rail (CWR), provided those
programs meet certain minimum criteria.
IV. Proceedings to Date
On November 16, 1992, FRA published an Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANPRM) in this docket. See 57 FR 54038. The ANPRM
summarized FRA's knowledge about developments in the rail industry in
the past two decades and then posed some 52 questions regarding how
those developments should be addressed in the revised track safety
standards.
The ANPRM also announced plans for four public workshops in which
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technically-knowledgeable persons with specialized experience in track
maintenance were invited to share their views with FRA in an informal
setting. The workshops were fact-finding sessions comprised of informal
give-and-take exchanges between industry, labor, and government
professionals charged with the administration of the track safety
standards on a day-to-day basis. They comprised an initial step by FRA
to use more active collaboration with labor, railroad management,
manufacturers, state governments, and public interest associations in
structuring the revised regulations.
The first workshop, held in Newark, New Jersey, on January 26,
1993, addressed such topics as responsibility of track owners,
inspection qualifications, restoration/renewal of track, and the 30-day
period in Sec. 213.9. A second workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, on January
28, 1993, covered such subjects as lateral track resistance, gage
restraint measurement, and vehicle track interaction. In the third
workshop held in Denver, Colorado, on February 23, 1993, topics
discussed were defective rails/remedial action, internal rail
inspection frequency, system tolerances and reliability, and torch cut
rail. The fourth workshop, a two-day session in Washington, D.C. on
March 30-31, 1993, covered such items of interest as excepted track,
inspection requirements, definitions, and the safety of maintenance-of-
way employees.
Participants in the workshops included representatives of major and
short line railroads, the AAR, the American Short Line Railroad
Association, the BMWE, as well as individuals with a particular
interest in certain areas of the track safety standards. In addition to
the workshops, FRA invited interested persons to submit written
comments to the questions posed in the ANPRM. Approximately 30
individuals, railroads, and industry groups submitted their suggestions
and observations.
Following the workshop in Washington, which included an extensive
discussion about the safety of maintenance-of-way employees, FRA
decided to isolate that issue from this proceeding so that it could be
addressed thoroughly in a separate rulemaking. That issue became the
focus of a proceeding addressing roadway worker safety, FRA's first
negotiated rulemaking. FRA established its first formal regulatory
negotiation committee in 1994. After months of discussions and debates,
the committee reached consensus conclusions and recommended provisions
for an NPRM to the Federal Railroad Administrator on May 17, 1995. An
NPRM based upon those recommendations was published on March 14, 1996
(see 61 FR 10528), and a final rule was issued on December 6, 1996 (see
61 FR 65959).
V. The Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
In past rulemakings, interested parties generally have approached
the proceedings in an adversarial manner, a tactic that often inhibited
the development of the best regulatory solutions to resolve difficult
safety issues. In addition, parties also have resorted to pressuring
Congress for legislation that would grant regulatory results with which
FRA disagreed or were at odds with FRA's regulatory agenda. FRA
concluded, therefore, that inclusion of these parties in its regulatory
process would result in a more positive approach to developing the best
solutions to pressing safety problems.
Although FRA gathered much information in the 1993 track workshops,
as well as in similar workshops associated with other rulemaking
proceedings, the agency recognized that continued use of these ``ad
hoc'' collaborative procedures for each rulemaking was not the most
effective means of accomplishing the agency's goal of achieving a more
consensual regulatory program. Following the success in 1995 of the
negotiated rulemaking addressing roadway worker safety, FRA decided
that several pending rulemakings, including this proceeding to revise
Part 213, should advance under a new rulemaking model that relies upon
consensus among various members of the affected industry and the
regulated community. On March 11, 1996, FRA announced formation of the
Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), the centerpiece of the
agency's new regulatory program which emphasizes rulemaking by
consensus with those most affected by the agency's regulations. See 61
FR 740.
The RSAC is comprised of 48 individual representatives drawn from
27 member organizations. The membership of the RSAC is representative
of those interested in railroad safety issues, including railroad
owners, manufacturers, labor groups, state government groups, and
public interest associations. Its sponsor is the Federal Railroad
Administrator, who recommends specific issues for it to address. The
RSAC operates by consensus. It is authorized to establish smaller
``working groups'' to research and initially address the issues
recommended by the Federal Railroad Administrator and accepted by the
RSAC to resolve.
VI. Track Working Group
On April 2, 1996, the RSAC agreed to provide advice and
recommendations to FRA for revision of the Track Safety Standards in 49
CFR Part 213. The RSAC then assigned that responsibility to a
specialized working group comprised of approximately 30 representatives
from labor, railroads, trade associations, state government groups,
track equipment manufacturers, and FRA.
The Track Working Group met monthly from May, 1996, through
October, 1996, to develop a draft NPRM to recommend to the RSAC.
Minutes taken at each of the meetings are part of the docket for this
rulemaking. The provisions contained in this document largely reflect
the work accomplished by that group.
The Track Working Group identified issues for discussion from
several sources. One source of issues was, of course, the statutory
mandates issued by Congress in 1992 and in 1994. Several issues came to
the Track Working Group by way of requests for consideration made by
FRA's track safety Technical Resolution Committee. The group also
examined track issues involved in a number of recommendations made to
FRA by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the past
decade. Discussions utilized information acquired by FRA through its
research and development program, as well as from findings from routine
agency investigations and accident investigations. Finally, the Track
Working Group systematically surveyed the existing regulations to
identify those sections and subsections that needed updating or, in
some cases, deletion.
Many of the issues engendered much discussion and debate within the
Track Working Group. Brief summaries of those discussions are recorded
in the appropriate parts of the section-by-section analysis portion of
this document. Technical details supporting certain recommendations are
not specified in this notice but are recorded in the docket and were
discussed by the Track Working Group. A few issues have been designated
by FRA to be ``major issues'' and are more fully discussed in the
following section.
V. Major Issues
This section contains FRA's analysis of a number of significant
issues that arose in this rulemaking. The analysis is based upon (1)
discussions by the Working Group and RSAC; (2)
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comments, both oral and written, received by the agency following
publication of the ANPRM; (3) past statements of agency policies; (4)
legal research; and (5) agency compliance experience.
A. Continuous Welded Rail (CWR)
In the first track safety standards published in 1971, Sec. 213.119
dealt with CWR in a rather general manner, stating simply that CWR must
be installed at a rail temperature that prevents lateral displacement
of track or pull-aparts of rail ends, and that it should not be
disturbed at rail temperatures higher than the installation or adjusted
installation temperature. (See 36 FR 20341.) In 1979, when FRA proposed
a significant revision of Part 213, the agency suggested that this
subsection be eliminated because it provided ``little guidance to
railroads'' and was ``difficult to enforce.'' The agency further stated
that research had ``not advanced to the point where specific safety
requirements can be established.'' (See 44 FR 52114.) However, when the
proposed revision was withdrawn in 1981 (see 46 FR 32896), the proposal
to eliminate Sec. 213.119 was also abandoned. In the November, 1982
revisions to the Track Safety Standards Sec. 213.119 was deleted.
In the Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act of 1992, Congress
mandated FRA to evaluate procedures for installing and maintaining CWR.
In 1994, in the Federal Railroad Authorization Act, Congress added an
evaluation of cold weather installation procedures to that mandate.
Following evaluation of those procedures, FRA proposes to return CWR
procedures to Part 213.
CWR is naturally subjected to high compressive and tensile forces
which, if not adequately restrained, can result in track buckling or
pull-aparts. The potential for track buckling increases as the ambient
air temperature increases while the potential for pull-aparts increases
as the ambient air temperature decreases. Track buckling tends to occur
under train movement and therefore can be instantaneous and somewhat
unpredictable.
In recent years, FRA engaged in a research program to develop
criteria and guidelines for improving CWR's resistance to buckling. The
program sought to (1) define critical forces and conditions associated
with track buckling, (2) quantify parameters which govern the
resistance of track to buckling, and (3) develop technology to detect
incipient failures prior to track buckling. Railroads have also
invested considerable resources into CWR research and employee training
which has resulted in a marked decrease in the number of reportable
buckled track incidents over the last decade. FRA's Accident/Incident
data base reveals that the number of reportable buckled track
derailments has been reduced by approximately 50% since 1985, dropping
from a yearly average of approximately 60 instances to approximately 30
such occurrences per year.
How a railroad provides the adequate lateral resistance to prevent
track buckling may vary from railroad to railroad. The Track Working
Group found that consistent methodology is not as important as
effective methodology in installing and maintaining CWR. Therefore, the
Track Working Group's recommendations are premised on the concept that
the regulations should provide railroads with as much flexibility as
safely feasible. The proposed standard, contained in a new subsection
(Sec. 213.119), allows railroads to develop and implement their
individual CWR programs based on procedures which have proven effective
for them over the years. At a minimum, procedures shall be developed
for the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and inspection of CWR,
as well as a training program and minimal requirements for
recordkeeping. FRA proposes to monitor the railroads adherence to these
procedures as well as the overall effectiveness of the CWR programs.
B. Excepted Track
With some limitations, the current regulation permits railroads to
designate track as ``excepted'' from compliance with minimum safety
requirements for roadbed, track geometry and track structure. This
provision was intended to allow for limited periods of operation over
track that was scheduled for abandonment or later improvement, and to
permit operations over low density branch lines and related yard tracks
in areas where it is highly unlikely that a derailment would endanger
persons along the right-of-way. In general, the purpose of this
provision has been realized.
However, the excepted track provision was not tightly drawn when
added in 1982. Critics of the present provision argue that it permits
tolerance of unsafe track conditions. For instance, trackage designated
as ``excepted'' sometimes traverses residential areas or exists within
close proximity to major population centers, and hazardous materials
frequently are moved over these tracks with some regularity.
FRA added the excepted track provision (Sec. 213.4) to the
regulations in response to an industry outcry for regulatory relief on
those rail lines producing little or no income. FRA believed that
without some relief for low density lines, railroads would accelerate
abandonment of those lines rather than invest their slim resources
where returns would be limited. Therefore, the 1982 revision provided
the industry with a means to operate over designated tracks without
complying with the substantive requirements of the Track Safety
Standards. FRA believed that the designated tracks would be located on
comparatively level terrain in areas where the likelihood was remote
that a derailment would endanger a train crew or the general public.
The current provision contains a number of operating restrictions,
including limitations on where excepted track can be located and the
number of cars containing hazardous materials (five) that can be hauled
in one train. Maximum speed is 10 m.p.h., and passenger service is
prohibited.
Despite these limitations, railroads have embraced the concept of
excepted track. In 1992, an FRA survey revealed the existence of
approximately 12,000 miles of designated excepted track nationwide, far
more than FRA envisioned when the provision was added to the
regulations. Recent surveys conducted by the AAR and ASLRA, which were
distributed to the Working Group members, currently indicate that
between 8,000 and 9,000 miles of excepted track presently exists
nationwide. FRA inspectors frequently find that railroads' legal use of
the excepted track provision is far from the provision's original
intent and purpose.
Comments given in response to the ANPRM, as well as some opinions
expressed within the Track Working Group, demonstrate that many
railroads favor maintaining an excepted track provision in the Track
Safety Standards. They argue that accident and injury data do not
support the notion that trackage in ``excepted'' status presents any
significant safety hazard. Short line railroads strenuously argue that
they depend on the provision in order to keep certain track segments in
business. Many short lines operate over track they acquired just before
abandonment by a major railroad. A significant number of those lines
serve only a handful of industries with comparatively small gross
tonnage. Eliminating the excepted track provision may result in the
demise of service to many short line railroad shippers, thus prompting
an increase in
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rail traffic switching to highway transportation.
Others, however, favor abolishing the excepted track provision
because they believe it promotes tolerance of poor maintenance
practices and hazardous track conditions. Approximately 65% of all
reportable derailments on excepted track from 1988 through the third
quarter of 1995 were track-caused. Of this total, nearly 33% were
attributed to wide gage as a result of defective crossties or rail
fasteners. FRA and state inspectors have found instances where
railroads have taken advantage of the permissive language in the
section to conduct operations in a manner not envisioned by the
drafters of the provision. For example, a railroad removes a segment of
track from the excepted designation only long enough to move a train
with more than five cars carrying hazardous materials, or to operate an
excursion passenger train, and then replaces the segment in excepted
status as soon as the movement is completed. However, FRA's enforcement
policies and railroad compliance have reduced these instances.
For those reasons, the Track Working Group advised that the
excepted track provision be retained with certain new restrictions.
Significant revision proposed for Sec. 213.4 includes a new requirement
that the track owner must maintain gage to a 58\1/4\'' standard,
perform periodic switch inspections, and provide FRA with notification
10 days prior to removing track from excepted status. The revision also
proposes to change the word ``revenue'' to ``occupied'' in describing
passenger trains prohibited from operating over excepted track.
C. Liability Standard
The current track regulations are enforced against a track owner
``who knows or has notice'' that the track does not meet compliance
standards. This knowledge standard is unique to the track regulations;
other FRA regulations are based on strict liability. The knowledge
standard is founded on the notion that railroads should not be held
responsible for defects that may occur suddenly in remote locations.
Today, after years of track abandonments by major railroads, the
industry is responsible for maintaining about 200,000 miles of track.
Many defects occur suddenly in remote areas, making it difficult for
even the most diligent track inspectors to keep pace with all defects
as they happen.
With a knowledge standard attached to the track regulations,
railroads are held liable for non-compliance or civil penalties for
only those defects that they knew about or those that are so evident
the railroad is deemed to have known about them. FRA and state
inspectors meet this knowledge standard in a number of ways. Sometimes
they record and notify a railroad of a defect that they find, and then
re-inspect 30 days later to see if the defect has been repaired. If it
has not, they cite the railroad for a violation of the track safety
standards. While this method provides a failsafe way of proving
railroad notice of a defect, it is not always practicable for
inspectors to perform follow-up inspections 30 days later.
Often, inspectors choose to inspect the railroad's own inspection
records to see if a defect they have noted is recorded there. If it is,
the inspection record forms proof that the railroad had notice of the
defect. If the defect is not recorded in the railroad's inspection
records, but is of the nature that it would have had to exist at the
time of the railroad's last inspection (for example, defective
crossties or certain breaks that are covered with rust), the defect's
existence constitutes constructive knowledge by the railroad and the
railroad is cited for a violation. Although these inspection methods
are not enunciated in the regulations themselves, they reflect long-
standing FRA enforcement policy and are explained in FRA's Track
Enforcement Manual.
In its petition, the BMWE suggested that FRA put track owners under
strict liability standard by removing the phrase ``knows or has
notice'' from Sec. 213.5. Under that standard, any defect found by an
FRA inspector could be written as a violation regardless of the
railroad's ignorance of it. The AAR requested in its petition that FRA
develop performance standards for the track regulations. Certain
defects would not be cited as long as the track is performing safely,
making unnecessary many of the regulations (for example, inspection
requirements and the minimum number of crossties). Neither the BMWE nor
the AAR provided FRA with cost/benefit information to support their
respective requests.
This notice proposes to adopt the recommendation by the Track
Working Group and the RSAC to leave the standard of liability unchanged
as the best balance of all interests. Railroads will continue to be
held liable for track defects of which they knew or had notice. Notice
may include constructive knowledge of defects that, by their nature,
would have had to be in existence when the railroad was last required
to perform an inspection.
D. Plant Railroads and Industrial Spurs
FRA has elected not to exercise jurisdiction over the safety of
railroads that conduct their operations exclusively within an
industrial or military installation. Such operations have not
demonstrated the same degree and frequency of track problems found on
tracks in the general system which are subject to heavier tonnages and
more frequent use. Nevertheless, FRA recognizes its responsibility for
the safety of railroad employees and operations inside such facilities
where a general system railroad provides service on that property,
either by picking up and placing cars for transportation in interstate
commerce or by switching for the plant. The same responsibility applies
to operations on privately owned industrial spurs used exclusively by a
main line railroad to serve an industry.
The applicability section of the current Track Safety Standards
(Sec. 213.3) excludes track ``located inside an installation which is
not part of the general railroad system of transportation.'' This broad
statement implies that the track standards do not apply anywhere inside
a plant, regardless of who operates there or the type of operations
that occur on the plant track. However, Sec. 213.3 must be read in
conjunction with 49 CFR Part 209, Appendix A, which explains that any
plant railroad trackage over which a general system railroad operates
becomes subject to FRA regulations. With the entrance of a general
system railroad, the plant loses its insularity.
Since the enactment of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, FRA
has had at its disposal statutory authority to issue emergency orders
to repair or discontinue use of industrial or plant trackage should the
agency find that conditions of the track pose a hazard of death or
injury. See 49 U.S.C. Sec. 20901. It is FRA's opinion that this
emergency order authority is sufficient power to ensure track safety
within plants or installations. However, if conditions or events in the
future tend to demonstrate that track safety within plants or
installations should be more specifically regulated, FRA will seek to
change the applicability of this Part in a future rulemaking. This
notice proposes to leave the application section of the Track Safety
Standards unchanged.
E. Tourist Railroads
Congress granted FRA authority over all railroads, including
tourist railroads, in 1970 when it enacted the Railroad Safety Act, now
codified at 49 U.S.C. Sec. 20102 et seq. In the 1970's and early
[[Page 36143]]
1980's, tourist railroads were few in number, and the agency decided to
direct its manpower and resources towards ensuring safety on the
freight carriers and major passenger lines. As the 1980's progressed,
FRA began to witness a proliferation of tourist operations ranging in
description from very small operations carrying only a handful of
passengers a few days every year to large operations transporting
hundreds of passengers daily. Many are financially constrained and
dependent on volunteer labor, but others garner significant revenues
from transportation of thousands of riders. The tourist railroad
industry itself estimates that such railroads carry four to five
million passengers each year.
In 1992, FRA developed a policy for exercise of agency jurisdiction
over tourist railroads. The policy provides that FRA will exercise
jurisdiction over all tourist railroad operations except those that are
less than 24 inches in gage and/or insular. An insular tourist railroad
is one where operations are limited to a separate enclave in such a way
that they engender no reasonable expectation that the safety of any
member of the public (except a business guest, a licensee or affiliated
entity, or a trespasser) would be affected. An insular railroad cannot
have a public highway-rail crossing in use, an at-grade rail crossing
in use, a bridge over a public road or commercially navigable waters,
or a common corridor of 30 feet or less with another railroad.
The current Track Safety Standards apply only to those tourist
railroads that operate on the general system. Nevertheless, the Track
Safety Standards serve as benchmarks for evaluating the safety of
trackage off the general system.
In 1992, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum of Lenox,
Massachusetts, petitioned FRA to conduct a special proceeding on all
safety issues related to tourist railroads, suggesting that FRA phase
in Class 1 track standards for those non-general system properties to
which the standards do not currently apply. FRA denied the petition for
a special proceeding because of the agency's many rulemaking
commitments. However, FRA indicated a willingness to consider
suggestions for modification of safety standards for tourist railroads
within rulemaking proceedings already planned or underway.
In 1994, representatives of the tourist railroad industry proposed
to Congress that it amend certain parts of 45 U.S.C. Sec. 431, now
recodified at 49 U.S.C. Secs. 20101-20103, wherein FRA, through the
Secretary of Transportation, is granted plenary authority over the
safety of all railroads. The proposed legislation would have excluded
tourist railroads from Federal safety laws even if they operate over
the general system, as long as they do not ``interchange traffic'' with
the general system. Thus, an unregulated tourist train could operate on
the same track as a freight train, Amtrak, or commuter railroad.
Congress agreed that such a change would not be wise safety policy.
However, Congress also recognized that tourist railroads sometimes have
unique characteristics that affect how they comply with Federal safety
laws. Therefore, in enacting the Federal Railroad Safety Authorization
Act of 1994, Congress instructed FRA to consider ``factors that may be
unique'' to tourist railroads when prescribing safety regulations that
would apply to those railroads. See 49 U.S.C. Sec. 20103. Of course,
FRA had already made an informal commitment to the industry to consider
their unique factors in ongoing and future rulemakings.
FRA estimates that approximately 95 tourist railroads operating
over 1,350 miles of standard gage track off the general system are not
currently subject to the track safety standards. FRA sees the need to
address this growing market and increasing safety exposure in the area
of track safety, as well as other areas of rail operation. In April,
1996, the agency referred tourist railroad safety issues to the RSAC.
The RSAC, in turn, established a working group comprised of agency and
tourist railroad industry representatives to analyze the industry's
unique aspects and formulate recommendations for appropriate regulation
of that specialized industry. Because this working group will
investigate and examine issues of track safety on tourist railroads,
the Track Working Group decided not to discuss the subject. If the
Tourist Railroad Working Group sees the need to propose changes to Part
213 to accommodate that industry, it will recommend to RSAC that FRA
initiate a separate rulemaking to address those issues. Therefore, this
notice proposes no changes to the Track Safety Standards that are
directed specifically to tourist railroads.
F. Train Speed/Preemption
Under the current Track Safety Standards, FRA has only an indirect
role in determining speed limits. Railroads set train speed in their
timetables or train orders. Once a railroad sets a train speed, it must
then maintain the track according to FRA standards for the class of
track that corresponds to that train speed. The signal and train
control regulations also fix limits on train speed based upon the type
of signal system that is in place. If the railroad fails to comply with
track or signal system requirements for speed at which trains are
operated, the railroad is subject to penalty.
FRA's current regulations governing train speed do not afford any
adjustment of train speeds in urban settings or at grade crossings.
This omission is intentional. FRA believes that locally established
speed limits may result in hundreds of individual speed restrictions
along a train's route, causing train delays and increasing safety
hazards. The safest train maintains a steady speed. Every time a train
must slow down and then speed up, safety hazards, such as buff and
draft forces, are introduced. These kinds of forces can enhance the
chance of derailment with its attendant risk of injury to employees,
the traveling public, and surrounding communities.
FRA always has contended that Federal regulations preempt any local
speed restrictions on trains. Section 20106 of Title 49, United States
Code (formerly 45 U.S.C. Sec. 434) declares that--
``[l]aws, regulations, and orders related to railroad safety shall
be nationally uniform to the extent practicable. A State may adopt or
continue in force an additional or more stringent law, regulation, or
order related to railroad safety when the law, regulation, or order--
(1) is necessary to eliminate or reduce an essentially local safety
hazard; (2) is not incompatible with a law, regulation, or order of the
United States Government; and (3) does not unreasonable burden
interstate commerce.''
FRA's long-held belief that Part 213 preempts local speed laws was
verified by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993 in the case CSX v.
Easterwood, 507 U.S. 658 (1993). The Court held that legal duties
imposed on railroads by a state's common law of negligence fall within
the scope of preemption provision of 49 U.S.C. 20106, which preempts
any state ``law, rule, regulation, order or standard relating to
railroad safety.'' The Court said that preemption of such state laws
``will lie only if the federal regulations substantially subsume the
subject matter of the relevant state law.'' Easterwood, 664. However,
the Court further stated that because Part 213 ties certain track
requirements to train speed, it should be viewed as ``covering the
subject matter'' of speed limits.
Notwithstanding some of the language in Easterwood that a cursory
reading may otherwise indicate, FRA has never
[[Page 36144]]
assumed the task of setting train speed. Rather, the agency holds
railroads responsible for minimizing the risk of derailment by properly
maintaining track for the speed they set themselves. For example, if a
railroad wants its freight trains to operate at 59 m.p.h. between two
certain locations, it must maintain the tracks between those locations
to Class 4 standards.
In recent years, FRA has encountered increasing pressure from
communities along railroad rights-of-way to set slower train speeds on
main tracks located in urban areas. They typically cite the inherent
dangers of grade crossings, as well as the risk of derailments of rail
cars containing hazardous materials.
As to grade crossings, FRA has consistently maintained that their
danger is a separate issue from train speed. The physical properties of
a moving train virtually always prevent it from stopping in time to
avoid hitting an object on the tracks regardless of the speed at which
the train is traveling. Prevention of grade crossing accidents is more
effectively achieved through the use of adequate crossing protection
and through observance by the driving public of crossing restrictions
and precautions. Therefore, FRA continues to sponsor and/or support
initiatives to improve safety at grade crossings under the Department
of Transportation's Grade Crossing Action Plan. These initiatives are
geared towards enhancing enforcement of traffic laws at crossings,
closing unneeded crossings, enhancing rail corridor crossing reviews
and improvements, expanding public education and Operation Lifesaver
activities, increasing safety at private crossings, improving data and
research efforts, and preventing rail trespassing.
In January, 1995, FRA implemented regulations for maintenance,
inspection and testing of warning devices at crossings, such as lights
and gates. See 59 FR 50086. The agency also implemented regulations
requiring certain locomotives to be equipped with auxiliary lights
making trains more visible to motorists, railroad employees, and
pedestrians. See 61 FR 8881. FRA believes that these measures are more
effective approaches to enhancing safety at grade crossings than an
attempt to design speed limits for each geographic situation.
G. Vegetation
The vegetation control requirements of Part 213 currently deal with
fire hazards to bridges, visibility of railroad signs and signals,
interference with normal trackside duties of employees, proper
functioning of signal and communication lines, and the ability to
inspect moving equipment (``roll by'' inspections). The regulation does
not address the issues of motorists' ability to see warning devices at
highway-rail crossings.
Since 1978, accidents and fatalities at highway-rail grade
crossings have decreased dramatically due to engineering improvements
at individual crossings, education of the public, and greater
enforcement of highway traffic laws. Nevertheless, FRA finds that the
present loss of life, injuries, and property damage are still
unacceptable. In 1995, 579 people were killed, and 1,894 suffered
serious injuries in grade crossing accidents. Highway-rail collisions
are the number one cause of death in the entire railroad industry, far
surpassing employee or passenger fatalities.
In lengthy discussions about vegetation at grade crossings, the
Track Working Group found itself grappling with a very complex issue
that cannot be resolved simply by requiring brush to be cut away from
grade crossings. The Track Working Group considered a proposal which
would have set sight distances for motorists approaching highway rail
grade crossings. However, the group quickly realized that the issue
requires the expertise of entities not represented on the Track Working
Group or RSAC, e.g., state and federal highway designers, traffic
engineers, as well as representatives of local jurisdictions with grade
crossings. This notice, therefore, proposes only one addition to
current requirements of railroads in maintaining vegetation. Under this
proposal, railroads will be required also to clear vegetation away from
signs and signals on railroad rights-of-way at grade crossings. Because
the scope of Part 213 limits vegetation requirements to railroad
property, this proposal does not attempt to dictate standards for
surrounding landowners. The additional language is intended only to
cover the clearing of vegetation at highway-rail grade crossings to
provide adequate visibility of railroad signs and signals; it is not
intended to cover or preempt state or local requirements for the
clearing of vegetation on railroad rights-of-way at highway-rail grade
crossings.
The RSAC views this proposed requirement as a first of several
regulatory steps to reduce the inherent dangers of highway rail grade
crossings. Along with the proposal for this additional requirement, the
RSAC, following a recommendation by the Track Working Group, has
requested that the FRA Administrator recommend that the Department of
Transportation initiate a joint regulatory proceeding by FRA and the
Federal Highway Administration to address vegetation maintenance and
sight distances for motorists at grade crossings. Should the Department
of Transportation decide not to initiate such a regulatory project, FRA
will then consider the next appropriate action which may include
launching its own regulatory proceeding.
H. Trackside Walkways
The Track Working Group agreed that it was not prepared at this
time to recommend to the RSAC whether or not this proceeding should
address trackside walkways. Therefore, this notice does not include any
proposals or discussions addressing this issue.
I. Gage Restraint Measurement System
Historically, railroads assess a track's ability to maintain gage
through visual inspections of crossties and rail fasteners. However,
the inability of the track structure to maintain gage sometimes becomes
apparent only after a derailment occurs. Many railroads throughout the
country have successfully tested the GRMS, which was developed under a
joint FRA/industry research project.
Accident statistics taken from FRA's Annual Accident/Incident
Bulletins reveal that from 1985 through 1995, reportable wide gage
derailments from defective crossties and fasteners totaled 2,232
instances and cost the industry over 60 million dollars in damages.
Current crosstie and fastener maintenance techniques rely heavily
on visual inspections by track inspectors, whose subjective knowledge
is based on varying degrees of experience and training. The subjective
nature of those inspections sometimes create inconsistent
determinations about the ability of individual crossties and fasteners
to restrain track gage. Crossties may not always exhibit strong
indications of good or bad condition. If a crosstie in questionable
condition is removed from track prematurely, its maximum service life
is unnecessarily shortened resulting in added maintenance costs for the
railroad. Yet, a crosstie of questionable condition left too long in
track can cause a wide-gage derailment with its inherent risk of injury
to railroad personnel and passengers and damage to property. In many
instances of gage failure caused by defective crossties and/or
fasteners, the static or unloaded gage is within the limits prescribed
by the current track standards. However, when a train applies an
abnormally high lateral load to a section of track that contains
[[Page 36145]]
marginal crosstie or fastener conditions, the result is often a wide
gage derailment.
In 1993, FRA granted CSX Transportation a waiver of compliance for
the purpose of conducting a test program to evaluate the GRMS
performance-based standard using FRA's research vehicle, in lieu of
existing crosstie and rail fastening requirements, on nearly 500 miles
of various track segments. The experience gained under this waiver has
provided FRA with the opportunity to continually make adjustments to
the conditional requirements of the waiver to the point where the
technology has proven itself to be a more consistent method of
objectively determining crosstie and fastener effectiveness. FRA
believes the technology is now ready to be deployed within the
industry.
Recently, CSX Transportation contracted for the design and
construction of a GRMS vehicle which has been approved by FRA for the
purposes of testing over the same waiver territory. CSX has contracted
for a second GRMS vehicle to be built, and several other Class 1
railroads have also contracted for the development of GRMS vehicles.
The key issue before the Working Group was whether this technology
should be used as a supplement to the existing crosstie and fastener
requirements, as an alternative to these existing requirements, or some
combination of both.
The Track Working Group could not reach consensus on whether or not
the revised standards should contain language to accommodate this
technology. The RSAC has recommended that a small task group continue
evaluating the possibility of developing GRMS standards for broader
application within the industry. This notice invites public comment
regarding the feasibility of this technology as an alternative
inspection standard or as an additional inspection method.
J. High Speed Rail Standards
By this notice, FRA proposes to facilitate further development of
high speed rail transportation by instituting safety standards for
track to be used by high speed trains. Current regulations contain six
classes of track that permit passenger and freight trains to travel up
to 110 m.p.h. Passenger trains have been allowed to operate at speeds
over 125 m.p.h. under conditional waiver granted by FRA. This notice
proposes to add three new classes of track that will designate
standards for track over which trains may travel at speeds up to 200
m.p.h. Standards for high speed track classes will be contained in a
new Subpart G of Part 213 which will cover track Classes 6 through 9.
These proposed track standards constitute only one of several
components comprising a regulatory program permitting trains to travel
at high speeds. Other factors FRA must address in regulations outside
of Part 213 include passenger emergency preparedness, wheel conditions,
braking systems, and grade crossings. These proposed standards are an
integral part of that larger regulatory scheme.
FRA's approach to track safety standards for high speeds is based
on the fundamental principle that vehicles in the high speed regime
must demonstrate that they will not exceed minimum vehicle/track
performance safety limits when operating on specified track. In
addition, railroads must monitor the vehicle/track system to ensure
that the safety limits will be met under traffic conditions.
A panel of experts in high speed rail transportation worked with
the Track Safety Working Group to provide recommendations for vehicle/
track performance limits and track geometry. The panel identified
acceleration and wheel/rail force safety criteria by reviewing
technical studies, considering foreign experience and practices, and
performing independent computer simulation and analytical studies. Once
it identified vehicle/track performance limits, the panel developed
specific geometry safety criteria. The panel also recommended
requirements necessary for track structure to sustain the forces
generated by vehicles at high speeds.
FRA's proposes to use the best available technical data about
dynamic performance of vehicle/track systems to develop safety
standards that are practical to implement. The proposed high speed
standards in this notice provide for the qualification of vehicles;
geometry standards for gage, surface, and alignment; track structure;
and inspection requirements for both automated and visual inspections.
While some of the sections in the proposed Subpart G are identical to
their counterparts in other sections of the regulation, the standards
for high speed operations generally differ markedly from those for the
lower track classes which cover a much broader range of railroad
vehicles. Several sections are unique to the high speed environment,
and other sections are adapted from requirements for the lower track
classes.
K. Torch Cut Rails
This notice addresses the practice by some railroads of using a
torch to cut rail, a practice that was widespread in the railroad
industry until a few years ago. Now the practice is used by most
railroads only for emergency repairs in Classes 3 through 5 track,
because technology has advanced to the point where cutting rail with
the various types of rail saws that are readily available is more
efficient than torch cutting. Nevertheless, torch cuts from years ago
when the practice was more prevalent still exist and are believed by
some to pose a safety hazard. In 1983, following its investigation of
an Amtrak derailment in Texas, the NTSB recommended that torch cuts be
removed and that trains move at only 10 m.p.h. over torch cuts made in
emergency situations or as a preparatory step in field welding. It
should be noted, however, that the rail involved in the Texas accident
had a type of high alloy content which the industry now recognizes as
inferior. It is no longer used in the industry.
Because rails that have been torch-cut have a greater tendency to
develop fractures in the short term, members of the Track Working Group
all agreed that the practice of torch-cutting rails should be
prohibited in the future in Classes 3 through 5 track. However, they
found it more difficult to agree on recommendations about what to do
with existing torch cuts. Labor union representatives on the Track
Working Group cited the known danger of torch cut rails in first
suggesting that they all be removed from track in Classes 3 through 6.
On the other hand, railroad representatives argued that torch cuts tend
to cause rail to fail early. They also asserted that torch cuts that
have existed for a long time generally will not cause rail breakage.
All parties agreed that torch cuts existing on yard tracks and main
tracks where trains operate at slow speeds (Classes 1 and 2) do not
pose as high a risk. FRA could provide no reliable data on the number
of existing torch cuts. The railroads reported that torch cuts no
longer exist on Class 6 track, and the torch cuts remaining in Class 5
track nationwide probably number ``in the hundreds.''
The Track Working Group agreed to recommend to the RSAC that
existing torch cuts in track Classes 1 and 2 be allowed to remain.
However, the practice of torch cutting rails in track Classes 3 and
above, except for emergency temporary repairs, will be prohibited in
the future. Existing torch cuts in Class 3 track over which regularly
scheduled passenger trains operate will be inventoried and any torch
cuts that are found later but are not listed on the inventory must be
removed. Torch cuts in Class 4 track
[[Page 36146]]
must be removed within two years of the effective date of this rule,
and torch cuts in Class 5 track must be removed within one year. The
RSAC and FRA adopted this proposal, further discussed in the Section-
by-Section portion of this notice.
L. Metric System
In the 1992 ANPRM, FRA requested comments in response to a proposal
to create a dual system of measurements, English and metric, for
inclusion in these regulations. Responses were varied. Some commenters
suggested that FRA implement metric standards, while others recommended
that a dual system would be better. Still others argued that the
addition of metric standards, whether as a single standard or in a dual
system with English standards, would cause confusion in the industry.
They added that computerized recordkeeping would have to be re-
programmed at a significant expense.
The RSAC, after a discussion of the issue by the Track Working
Group, decided not to recommend the addition of metric standards at
this time. Therefore, FRA concludes that the introduction of metric
values into the regulations is not appropriate at this time.
* * * * *
Section By Section Analysis
Section 213.1--Scope of the Part
The proposed amendment to this section would eliminate the word
``initial.'' When the Track Safety Standards were first published in
1971, they were referred to as ``initial safety standards'' because
they were the first Federal standards addressing track safety. Twenty-
five years and several amendments later, the current Track Safety
Standards are no longer initial standards. Therefore this amendment
will eliminate a mischaracterization of the standards by removing the
outdated descriptive ``initial.''
Section 213.2--Preemptive effect
This notice proposes to add this section to Part 213 to indicate
that states cannot adopt or continue in force laws related to the
subject matter covered in this rule, unless such laws are needed to
address a local safety hazard and they impose no undue burden on
interstate commerce. This section is consistent with the mandate of 49
U.S.C. Sec. 20106, formerly Sec. 205 of the Federal Railroad Safety Act
of 1970. Although the courts ultimately determine preemption in any
particular factual context, this section provides a statement of agency
intent and promotes national uniformity of regulation in accordance
with the statute.
Section 213.3--Application
This notice does not propose to amend this section. The RSAC's
Track Working Group discussed amending subsection (b) to reference
Appendix A of Part 209 in an effort to clarify FRA's safety policy
toward trackage used by general system railroads within the confines of
installations. According to Appendix A of Part 209, an plant owner is
held liable for the safety of any plant trackage over which a general
system railroad operates. The Working Group advised that a reference to
Appendix A of Part 209, which is merely a statement of FRA policy,
could have the effect of making all provisions of Part 213 enforceable
against thousands of plant owners, at least to the extent over which
general system railroads operate within plant borders. Such a result
would be more far-reaching than intended by the RSAC. Even while FRA
declines to apply Part 213 to plant railroads, the agency continues to
have safety jurisdiction over those railroads and may invoke its
statutory emergency authority if it deems it necessary in order to
safeguard anyone from the hazard of death or personal injury.
Section 213.4--Excepted Track
This notice proposes to maintain the provision for excepted track
with added restrictions for its use and maintenance. Since its
inception in 1982, the excepted track category has become an economic
issue for some small railroads, particularly short line railroads and
low volume shippers. It allows railroads to continue to use, on a
limited basis, low-density trackage that does not earn sufficient
revenue to justify the expense of maintaining it to higher track
standards. It allows short lines to acquire and use trackage that may
have been abandoned by larger railroads, thereby preserving rail
service to shippers and avoiding the necessity of shifting traffic over
those lines from moving to some other, perhaps more hazardous, means of
transport.
Because the majority of reportable derailments on excepted track
are track-caused, and the majority of this total are wide gage related,
this notice proposes to institute a requirement that gage must not
exceed of 58\1/4\'' on excepted track. This requirement will only apply
to the actual gage measurement itself, and will not extend to the
evaluation of crossties and fasteners which provide the gage restraint.
A clarification has been added to the inspection requirements on
excepted track which specifically reference turnout inspections as
being required under this section.
The proposal also includes a requirement that railroads notify FRA
at least 10 days before removing trackage from excepted status. This
provision is to prevent the practice FRA has witnessed in the past by
some railroads who remove trackage from excepted status only long
enough to move a passenger excursion train or a train with more than
five cars containing hazardous materials. Furthermore, the proposal
includes an edit to Sec. 213.4(e)(2) which changes the word ``revenue''
to ``occupied'' in describing passenger trains prohibited from
operating over excepted track. This change addresses a misconception by
some railroads that they could operate passenger excursion trains over
excepted track as long as they did not charge passengers admission for
a ride. The proposed change clarifies that the prohibition is directed
toward all passengers but is not meant to include train crew members,
track maintenance crews, and other railroad employees who must travel
over the track to attend to their work duties.
Section 213.5--Responsibility of track owners
This notice proposes changes to subsections (c) and (d) to modify
the way in which track owners may assign compliance responsibility to
another entity. Under the current regulations, a track owner may
petition the Federal Railroad Administrator to recognize another party
as the one primarily responsible for the maintenance and inspection of
the owner's track. This provision is intended to facilitate compliance
by track owners whose track is leased to another entity for operation.
Often track owners ( e.g., municipal communities, county governments)
do not have the necessary expertise to maintain compliance with Federal
track standards, but their track lessees do. Thus, track owners can
successfully petition FRA for reassignment of primary responsibility by
providing certain information about the assigned party and the
relationship of the assigned party to the track owner. When such a
petition is approved by FRA, the assigned party becomes responsible,
along with the track owner, for compliance with Part 213.
The proposed change for these subsections eliminates the approval
process by FRA, shown in years past to be the cause of unnecessary
paperwork. Records show that FRA has approved almost every such
petition it has reviewed. Under the proposed subsection, a track owner
could reassign
[[Page 36147]]
responsibility to another entity simply by notifying FRA's regional
administrator for the FRA region in which the track is located. The
notification would include the same information required for the
petitions under the current standards. However, FRA would discontinue
its practice of publishing in the Federal Register the petitions for
reassignment, along with requests for public comment. The reassignments
would no longer be reviewed by FRA's Railroad Safety Board.
FRA believes that the proposed change would not diminish track
safety. Although the intent of the original subsection was to give FRA
some control over who should be responsible for maintaining track, the
practical application of the subsection has shown that such control by
the agency is unnecessary. Rather, it is more important for FRA to know
what party or parties to hold responsible for compliance with track
safety standards. Therefore, the proposed subsection (c) would require
notification to the agency of reassignments of track responsibility,
but it would no longer require approval by FRA now required in
subsection (d). The text currently shown as subsection (d) would be
eliminated.
This notice also proposes one minor change in current subsection
(e), substituting the name ``Surface Transportation Board'' for
``Interstate Commerce Commission.'' This substitution is meant to
reflect Congress'' action in 1995 to eliminate the Interstate Commerce
Commission and turn over many of its functions to the new Surface
Transportation Board within the Department of Transportation. With the
elimination of the current text of subsection (d), this subsection now
designated as (e) would become subsection (d).
Section 213.7--Designation of qualified persons to supervise certain
renewals and inspect track
In the past, FRA has interpreted this section in a way that allowed
signal maintainers and other railroad employees to pass trains over
broken rails or pull-aparts in situations when they were the first on
the scene to investigate a signal or track circuit problem. Under this
interpretation, the intent of the regulation would not be violated if
signal maintainers or others had been given selected training relating
to the safe passage of trains over broken rails and pull-aparts. The
BMWE, however, has argued that this section was never intended to allow
for the partial qualification of personnel on Part 213 standards.
The RSAC recommends the creation of a new subsection (d) which
prescribes the manner in which persons not fully qualified as outlined
in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be qualified for the
specific purpose of authorizing train movements over broken rails and
pull-aparts. Language in the new paragraph is specific to employees
with at least one year of maintenance of way or signal experience and
requires a minimum of four hours of training and examination on
requirements related to the safe passage of trains over broken rails
and pull-aparts. The purpose of the examination is to ascertain the
person's ability to effectively apply these requirements. It is not to
be used as a test to disqualify the person from other duties.
The maximum speed over broken rails and pull-aparts shall not
exceed 10 m.p.h. However, movement authorized by a person qualified
under this subsection may further restrict speed over broken rails and
pull-aparts if warranted by the particular circumstances. This person
must watch all movements and be prepared to stop the train if
necessary. Fully qualified persons under Sec. 213.7 must be notified
and dispatched to the location promptly to assume responsibility for
authorizing train movements and effecting temporary or permanent
repairs. The word ``promptly'' is meant to provide the railroad with
some flexibility in events where there is only one train to pass over
the condition prior to the time when a fully qualified person would
report for a regular tour of duty, or where a train is due to pass over
the condition before a fully qualified person is able to report to the
scene. Railroads should not use persons qualified under 213.7(d) to
authorize multiple train movements over such conditions for an extended
period of time.
Section 213.9--Classes of Track: Operating Speed Limits
This notice proposes to move Class 6 standards to Subpart G, a new
subpart which establishes track safety standards for high speed rail
operations. The new subpart will consist of Class 6 and three new track
classes, Classes 7 through 9, to accommodate train speeds up to 200
m.p.h. The Track Working Group and the RSAC recommend including Class 6
in the high speed standards because that class of track already
requires certain heightened maintenance practices not required by the
lower classes of track.
Section 213.11--Restoration or Renewal of Track Under Traffic
Conditions
An added phrase recommended by the RSAC for the end of this section
would clarify a qualified inspector's authority to limit the speed of
trains operating through areas under restoration or renewal. In the
Track Working Group, the BMWE expressed concern that the current
language of the section provides no guidance for track inspectors
determining the appropriate speed through restoration areas. The
language proposed by this notice gives a qualified track inspector
discretion to set train speed through a work area, but does not allow
the inspector to authorize trains to operate at speeds faster than the
maximum speed for the appropriate track class. This change does not
represent a change to past interpretation and enforcement of this
section; it is merely a clarification of established policy.
Section 213.15--Civil Penalty
This notice proposes no changes to this section. The section covers
all subparts to this part, including Subpart G. Appendix B, which sets
forth the civil penalty schedule for violations of this part, will be
revised in the final rule to include civil penalties for violations of
Subpart G.
Section 213.17--Exemptions
The Track Working Group considered a proposal by the BMWE that this
section be eliminated. However, the group agreed that the existing
language allowing for the temporary suspension of certain track
standards is appropriate and exemptions are necessary for the industry
to experiment with alternative methods of compliance and new
technology. Therefore, the RSAC recommended that this section be left
as currently written, and this notice proposes no changes to it.
Section 213.33--Drainage
In its 1990 petition for revision of the track standards, the BMWE
requested that this section be expanded to include more specific
requirements for drainage and water diversion around track roadbeds,
addressing water seeping toward the track, water falling upon the
roadbed, cross drainage, and the use of geotextiles. The proposal was
discussed by the Track Working Group, as was a proposal by the AAR that
merely modified the phrase ``clear of obstruction'' to ``sufficiently
clear of obstruction.'' After much discussion, the group recommended to
the RSAC that the section be left unchanged. Therefore, this notice
does not propose any changes to the requirements for
[[Page 36148]]
maintaining proper drainage adjacent to roadbeds.
Section 213.37--Vegetation
This notice proposes to add a phrase to subsection (b) to include
in the requirement to clear vegetation from signs and signals along
railroad rights-of-way and at highway rail grade crossings. The current
regulation stipulates only that vegetation cannot interfere with
visibility of railroad signs and signals. Because the scope of Part 213
limits vegetation requirements to railroad property, this proposal does
not attempt to dictate standards for surrounding landowners. The
additional language is intended only to cover the clearing of
vegetation at highway-rail grade crossings to provide adequate
visibility of railroad signs and signals; it is not intended to cover
or preempt state or local requirements for the clearing of vegetation
on railroad rights-of-way at highway-rail grade crossings.
Section 213.55--Alignment
This notice proposes to introduce a 31-foot chord requirement, in
addition to the present 62-foot chord requirement, for measuring
alignment on curves in Classes 3 through 5 track. The RSAC, on advice
from the Track Working Group, recommends this addition to control
transient short wavelength variations in alignment. This control is
considered necessary to introduce an averaging approach for the
application of the Vmax formula which determines the maximum
allowable operating speed for each curve. The change in the application
of the Vmax formula is discussed in Sec. 213.57 of this
notice.
Section 213.57--Curves; Elevation and Speed Limitations
The existing subsection (a) limits the design elevation on curves
to a maximum of six inches. However, this subsection also provides for
a deviation from this design elevation, which is contained in the
Sec. 213.63 table. For a curve elevated to six inches in Class 1 track,
the allowable deviation would be three inches and therefore any point
in that curve could have as much as nine inches of elevation and remain
in compliance. For a similar situation in Class 3 track, any point in
that curve could have as much as seven and three-fourths inches of
elevation and still be in compliance. For modern rail cars with a high
center of gravity, low speed curve negotiation under excessive levels
of superelevation places the vehicle in an increased state of
overbalance. This condition creates the possibility of wheel unloading
and subsequent wheel climb when warp conditions are encountered within
the curve.
The Track Working Group considered the characteristics of the
present-day vehicle fleet and concluded that a lower limit on maximum
elevation in a curve should be prescribed in the regulations.
Therefore, this notice proposes to revise subsection (a) to limit the
amount of superelevation at any point in a curve to not more than eight
inches on Classes 1 and 2 track, and not more than seven inches on
Classes 3 through 5 track.
Subsection (b) of this section addresses the maximum allowable
operating speed for curved track. The equilibrium speed on a curve is
the speed where the resultant force of the weight and centrifugal force
is perpendicular to the plane of the track. The American Railway
Engineering Association's (AREA) Manual of Engineering, Chapter 5,
states that passenger cars have been shown to ride comfortably around a
curve at a speed which produces three inches of underbalance, or
otherwise stated, three inches less elevation than would be required to
produce equilibrium conditions. The AREA Manual sets forth a formula
based on the steady-state forces involved in curve negotiation which is
commonly referred to as the Vmax formula. This formula
considers the variables of elevation, curvature, and the amount of
unbalanced elevation or cant deficiency in determining the maximum
curving speed. The present standards under subsection (b) limit curving
speed based on a maximum of three inches of unbalance or cant
deficiency and is commonly referred to as the ``three-inch unbalance
formula''. FRA has granted waivers for other levels of unbalance on
specified equipment.
Over the years, railroad engineers have differed as to the
application of this three-inch unbalance formula. Some engineers have
suggested the designed elevation and curvature should be used to
calculate the maximum operating speed around a curve. Other engineers
recommend that an average of the entire curve or segment of the curve
better recognizes situations where steady-state conditions change. For
example, the elevation may be decreased through a road crossing to
accommodate road levels and then increased beyond the crossing.
Recognizing the origin and purpose of the Vmax formula,
the Track Working Group recommended that an average of the alignment
and crosslevel measurements through a track segment in the body of the
curve should be used in the formula to arrive at the maximum authorized
speed. This approach recognizes the ``steady-state'' purpose of the
formula. Transient locations (points) are covered by the alignment and
track surface tables. Normally, approximately 10 stations are used
through the track segment, spaced at 15'6'' apart. If the length of the
body of the curve is less than 155 feet, measurements should be taken
for the full length of the body of the curve.
This uniform or averaging technique over the 10 stations through
the track segment is consistent with the concept used by the vehicle/
track dynamicists who discuss ``g'' levels in steady-state conditions,
often considered to be one or two seconds. At 80 m.p.h., a vehicle will
have traversed approximately 118 feet of track in one second.
Measurements taken over 155 feet (10 stations at 15'6'') provides the
necessary distance to determine the behavior of the vehicle over the
one-or two-second steady-state interval.
Analysis has shown that, although application of the
Vmax formula on a point-by-point basis is overly
conservative, it does provide for the coverage of certain combinations
of alignment and crosslevel deviations in Classes 3 through 5 track
which could result in wheel climb derailments. However, further
analysis has shown that these transient short-wave anomalies can be
covered by the introduction of a 31-foot chord to the alignment table
contained in Sec. 213.55.
The Track Working Group also recommended the addition of new
paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (f) which will permit curving speeds
based on four inches of unbalance or cant deficiency for certain
categories of equipment that demonstrate safe curving performance at
this level of unbalance. The means of qualification is a basic
procedure known as a ``static lean'' test that has been used many times
in recent years for the testing of equipment for operation at higher
cant deficiencies. Although four inches of cant deficiency is usually
applied to passenger trains, other types of equipment with comparable
suspension systems, centers of gravity, and cross-sectional areas may
perform equally well. On the other hand, the Track Working Group did
not intend to suggest that standard freight equipment must have the
prerequisite vehicle characteristics which would allow curving speeds
based on more than three inches of cant deficiency. The Track Working
Group recommended that FRA review the information provided by the track
owner or operator to verify safe curving performance and approve the
proposal before the vehicles are operated at four inches of cant
deficiency.
[[Page 36149]]
This notice proposes to revise Appendix A, which currently contains
a table specifying the maximum allowable operating speed for each curve
based on three inches of cant deficiency. Under this proposed change,
Appendix A would be amended to include two tables. Table 1 would be
identical to the current table, while Table 2 would specify curving
speeds based on four inches of cant deficiency.
Section 213.63--Track Surface
The present track surface table contained in this section was
established in the original standards more than 20 years ago and has
served the industry well as a minimum safety requirement. However, some
of the parameters need updating to recognize the knowledge gained from
investigation of derailment causes, engineering analysis, and changes
in terminology. Therefore, this notice proposes several changes to
track surface requirements to better address current knowledge of
track/vehicle interaction.
This notice proposes that the parameter referring to the rate of
runoff at the end of a track raise and the parameter for deviation from
uniform profile should both remain unchanged. The profile parameter is
conservative for single occurrences on both rails and less conservative
for repeated perturbations.
In the 1982 revisions to the Track Safety Standards, the
requirement for maintenance of curve records, including degree of
curvature and the amount of elevation designated in curves was removed.
Since that time, the term ``designated elevation'' has been
controversial and difficult to apply. This notice proposes to remove
that term from the revised table.
This notice also proposes to revise the way the Track Safety
Standards address transition spirals. For many curves, especially in
the lower track classes, track maintenance personnel often differ as to
the locations where spirals begin and end, as well as to the measured
runoff rate. In view of the somewhat subjective nature of the concept
of uniform runoff in spirals, the proposed changes in this notice use a
different approach from runoff or ``variation in crosslevel in
spirals'' and incorporate this parameter into another parameter.
In the present track surface table, the maximum variation in
crosslevel in spirals could exceed that allowed on tangents and in the
full body of curves over the same distance. The mechanism for
derailment in the body of the curve is the same as in the spiral. This
notice proposes that the differences in crosslevel in spirals be
included in one parameter to simplify the table and correct the
discrepancy that currently exists. This notice also proposes that the
existing parameters referring to ``deviation from designated
elevation'' and ``variation in crosslevel'' in spirals are unnecessary,
provided spiral variations in crosslevel are included in the ``warp''
parameter. The ``warp'' parameter is measured by determining the
difference in crosslevel between two points less than 62-feet apart.
While the difference in crosslevel parameter (warp) addresses the
majority of situations where wheel climb or rock off can occur, three
footnotes are added to the table to address specific situations.
Footnote 1 addresses the present practice on some railroads to
design a greater runoff of elevation in spirals due to physical
restrictions on the length of spirals. Spiral runoff in new
construction must be designed and maintained within the limits shown in
the table for difference in crosslevel.
Footnote 2 is included to address the known derailment cause where
a warp occurs in conjunction with an amount of curve elevation that
approaches the maximum typically in use. When a vehicle is in an
unbalanced condition on this curve elevation and encounters a warp
condition, the vehicle is subjected to wheel/rail forces that could
result in wheel climb.
Footnote 3 is included to address the harmonic rock off problem of
which the railroad industry has been aware for many years. Under
repeated warp conditions, the vehicle can experience an increase in
side-to-side rocking that may result in wheel climb in curves or center
plate separation on tangents.
Section 213.109--Crossties
This notice proposes to amend this section to include several
recommendations made by the Track Working Group and adopted by the
RSAC. After reviewing FRA's Accident/Incident data base, the group
concluded that wide gage resulting from defective crossties continues
to be the single largest causal factor associated with track-caused
reportable derailments.
Gage widening forces applied to the track structure from the
movement of rolling stock tend to increase as track curvature
increases. Therefore, this notice proposes to increase the number of
effective crossties required under subsection (c) for turnouts and
curved track with over two degrees of curvature. The purpose of this
proposed requirement is to strengthen the track structure to enable it
to better resist such forces.
In Class 1 track, the required number of crossties in any 39-foot
segment of track would increase from five to six; in Class 2 track,
from eight to nine; in Class 3 track, from eight to 10; and in Classes
4 and 5 track, from 12 to 14. These changes are proposed to become
effective 2 years after the effective date of the final rule.
Under subsection (d), this notice proposes an optional requirement
for the number and placement of crossties near rail joints in Classes 3
through 5 track. The existing requirement calls for one crosstie within
a specified distance from the rail joint location, while the proposed
optional requirement allows two crossties, one on each side of the
joint, within a specified distance from the rail joint location. FRA
previously examined both standards under various static loading
conditions. The results indicated that the proposed optional
requirement provides equal or better joint support than the present
requirement.
This notice also proposes to add a new subsection (e) to address
track constructed without conventional crossties, such as concrete-slab
track. The existing standards do not address this type of construction
in which the running rails are secured through fixation to another
structural member. The proposed addition addresses this type of track
construction by requiring railroads to maintain gage, surface, and
alignment to the standards specified in subsections (b)(1) (i), (ii),
and (iii).
Section 213.113--Defective Rails
This notice proposes several substantive changes to this section
which reflect the results of FRA's on-going rail integrity research
program. The results indicate the need to revise the remedial action
tables and specifications to more adequately address the risks of rail
failure, reserving the most restrictive actions on limiting operating
speed for those rail defects which are large enough to present a risk
of service failure.
Because ``zero'' percent entries serve no useful purpose, they
should be dropped from the remedial action tables. Similarly, ``100''
percent of rail head cross-sectional area is not a meaningful dividing
point for transverse defects. The proposed revisions to the remedial
action table for transverse defects places a lower limit of five
percent of the rail head cross-sectional area. If a transverse defect
is reported to be less than five percent, no remedial action would be
required under the revised standards. Defects reported less than five
percent are not consistently found during rail breaking programs and
[[Page 36150]]
therefore defect determination within this size range is not always
reliable. Furthermore, if the determination is reliable, defect growth
to service failure size within the newly established testing frequency
under Sec. 213.237 is highly unlikely. The proposed revisions to the
remedial action table for transverse defects also establishes one or
more mid-range defect sizes, between five percent and 100 percent, each
of which will require specific remedial actions.
In the proposed revised remedial action table, all longitudinal
defects are combined within one group subject to identical remedial
actions based on their reported size. These types of longitudinal
defects all share similar growth rates and the same remedial actions
are appropriate to each type. The lower limit of ``0'' inches has been
eliminated and the size divisions have been revised upward slightly to
reflect FRA's research findings which indicate that this class of rail
defect has a relatively slow growth rate.
The ``0'' inch lower limit has been eliminated also for bolt hole
cracks and broken bases. The proposed revision also includes minor
changes in the size divisions for bolt hole cracks, as well as changes
in the required remedial action for broken bases less than 6 inches and
damaged rail.
This notice also proposes to add ``Flattened Rail'' to the rail
defect table. Although it is not a condition shown to affect the
structural integrity of the rail section, it can result in less-than-
desirable dynamic vehicle responses in the higher speed ranges. The
flattened rail condition is identified in the table, as well as in the
definition portion of subsection (b), as being \3/8\'' or more in depth
and 8'' or more in length.
The Track Working Group discussed at length a ``break out in rail
head'', but was unable to agree on a standard definition. The RSAC
therefore recommends that the industry continue to be guided by FRA's
current interpretation that a break out in the rail head consists of a
piece physically separated from the parent rail.
This notice also proposes to make several substantive revisions to
the remedial actions specified under ``Notes'' in subsection (a)(2) of
this section. A new note ``A2'' has been added to address the mid-range
transverse defect sizes which have been added to the table. This
remedial action allows for train operations to continue at a maximum of
10 m.p.h. for up to 24 hours, following a visual inspection by a person
designated under Sec. 213.7 of this part.
Note ``B'', which currently does not define a limiting speed, would
be changed to limit speed to 30 m.p.h. or the maximum allowable speed
under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track concerned, whichever is lower.
Notes ``C'', ``D'', and ``H'' have been revised to limit the
operating speed, following the application of angle bars, to 50 m.p.h.
or the maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower. Presently, the standards limit speed to
60 m.p.h. or the maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class
of track concerned, whichever is lower.
A second paragraph in Note ``C,'' the remedial action which applies
specifically to detail fractures, engine burn fractures, and defective
welds, proposes a significant change to the current standards. This
revision addresses defects which are discovered in Classes 3 through 5
track during an internal rail inspection required under Sec. 213.237,
and whose size is determined not to be in excess of 25 percent of the
rail head cross-sectional area. For these specific defects, a track
owner may operate for up to four days at a speed limited to 50 m.p.h.
or the maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower. If the defective rail is not removed or
a permanent repair made within four days of discovery, the speed shall
be limited to 30 m.p.h. until joint bars are applied.
Under the existing standards, these types of defects, predominant
on heavy utilization trackage, would require a 30 m.p.h. restriction
until angle bars are applied. Practice within the industry today is to
operate the rail test vehicle until the number of defects found exceeds
the railroad's ability to effect immediate repairs. At that time the
rail test vehicle is shut down for the day. The purpose of this
practice is to reduce speed restrictions which not only affect the
railroad's ability to move trains, but also can produce undesirable in-
train forces that can lead to derailments. However, prematurely
shutting down rail test car operations negate any possibility of
discovering larger and more serious defects that may lie just ahead.
Furthermore, the results of FRA's research indicate that defects of
this type and size range have a predictable slow growth life. Research
indicates that even on the most heavily utilized trackage in use today,
defects of this type and size are unlikely to grow to service failure
size in four days.
Section 213.119--Continuous Welded Rail (CWR); General
This notice proposes to introduce a requirement for railroads to
establish and place in effect written procedures to address CWR. These
procedures must address the installation, adjustment, maintenance and
inspection of CWR track, and include a formal training program for the
application of these procedures. The procedures, including a program
for training, must be submitted to FRA within six months following the
effective date of this rule. Although many railroads already have in
effect a CWR program, FRA will review each submitted set of procedures
for compliance with the individual requirements of the proposed
regulation.
Within the last decade, through the determined efforts of
researchers from industry and government, along with experience gained
from accident investigators and track maintenance people, the railroad
industry has gained a better comprehension of the mechanics of
laterally unstable CWR track. As a result, the industry has identified
maintenance procedures that are critical to maintaining CWR track
stability.
The proposed requirements do not detail how each procedure is to be
carried out. Rather, they identify the basic safety issues and permit
railroads to develop and implement their own procedures to address
those issues, provided the procedures are consistent with current
research results as well as findings from practical experience
documented in recent years. The procedures should be clear, concise,
and easy to understand by maintenance-of-way employees. A comprehensive
training program must be in place for the application of these
procedures.
The proposed regulation requires the designation of a ``desired
rail installation temperature range'' for the geographic area in which
the CWR is located. By definition contained in the proposed regulation,
this is the rail temperature range at which forces in CWR should not
cause a track buckle in extreme heat, or a pull-apart during cold
weather. Current general practice within the industry, based to a large
extent on research findings, is to establish a ``desired rail
installation temperature range'' which is considerably higher than the
annual mean temperature for the geographic area in which the CWR is
located. The proposed regulation provides railroads with flexibility to
establish the ``desired rail installation temperature range'' based on
the characteristics of the specific territory
[[Page 36151]]
involved and the historical knowledge acquired through the application
of past procedures.
When CWR is installed and anchored/fastened at the ``desired rail
installation temperature range,'' it is considered to be in its initial
``stress-free'' state, where the net longitudinal force is equal to
zero. Research discloses that many factors, some of which are
unavoidable, like dynamics of train operation, the necessary lining and
surfacing of the track structure, and performing rail repairs all
contribute to a gradual lowering over time of the initial rail
installation temperature range which increases the potential for track
buckling. This phenomenon substantiates the need to install and anchor/
fasten CWR at a relatively high rail installation temperature range.
Maintenance of the ``desired rail installation temperature range''
is critical to ensuring CWR stability. Therefore, the procedures for
installation, adjustment, effecting rail repairs, and repairing track
buckles or pull-aparts must compare the existing rail temperature with
the ``desired rail installation temperature range'' for the area
concerned.
The procedures also must address several other topics, such as rail
anchoring, controlling train speed when CWR track has been disturbed,
ballast re-consolidation, inspections, and recordkeeping for the
installation of CWR and rail repairs that do not conform to the
railroad written procedures. A track owner may update or modify CWR
procedures as necessary, upon notification to FRA of those changes.
Development of individual CWR programs could prove burdensome for
many small railroads. As recommended by the Track Working Group, FRA
will work with the American Short Line Railroad Association (ASLRA) to
develop a generic set of CWR procedures to apply to low speed/low
tonnage Class 2 and Class 3 railroad operations.
Section 213.121--Rail Joints
Under existing subsection (a), the phrase ``proper design and
dimension'' has often been interpreted to prohibit the use of any joint
bar on a rail section for which it was not specifically designed. This
interpretation does not consider the fact that certain joint bars are
interchangeable between different rail sections. Therefore, this notice
proposes to change the word ``proper'' to ``structurally sound'' in
subsection (a).
In subsection (b), this notice proposes to add the modifier
``excessive'' in front of the phrase ``vertical movement.'' The
existing language in this subsection implies that no vertical movement
of either rail could be allowed when all bolts are tight. This
interpretation is too strict. FRA's Enforcement Manual suggests that
FRA inspectors evaluate excessive vertical movement when determining
compliance with this paragraph. This proposal will make the rule
conform to sound practices.
This notice proposes to extend to Class 2 track the prohibition of
torch cutting bolt holes in rail. The reference to angle bars has been
removed and is to be covered in the proposed new subsection (h) which
restricts the practice of re-configuring joint bars. Joint bars for
older rail sections are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are
no longer being manufactured. Therefore, the new subsection (h)
prohibits the re-configuration of joint bars in Classes 3 through 5
track, but not in Classes 1 and 2 track.
Section 213.122--Torch Cut Rail
This proposed new section addresses the proper handling of rails
cut by the use of a torch. The practice of torch-cutting rail at one
time was commonplace on railroads, but was discontinued in higher speed
track several years ago when better saws were developed and railroads
discovered that rails that have been torch-cut have a greater tendency
to develop fractures. Today, on track Classes 3 and above, the practice
is used almost exclusively for temporary emergency repairs that are
then quickly replaced with new rail. The purpose of this section is to
outlaw the practice of torch cutting rails, except for emergency
repairs, on all track in classes above Class 2. Trains speed for track
that has been torch cut for emergency repairs made after the effective
date of this rule must be reduced to the maximum allowable speed for
Class 2 until the torch cut rail is replaced.
The proposed section also provides railroads with guidance for
eliminating old torch cut rail in track Classes 3 through 5. The
industry believes no torch cuts exist in Class 6 track. Torch cuts in
Class 5 track must be eliminated within a year of the effective date of
this rule, while torch cuts in Class 4 track must be removed within two
years. Within one year of the effective date of this rule, railroads
must inventory existing torch cuts in any Class 3 track over which
regularly scheduled passenger trains operate. Those torch cuts found
and inventoried will be ``grandfathered in.'' Any torch cuts that are
found on such track after the expiration of one year and that are not
inventoried will be limited immediately to Class 2 speed and removed
within 30 days of discovery. If a railroad chooses to upgrade a segment
of track from Classes 1 or 2 to Class 3, and regularly scheduled
passenger trains operate over that track, the railroad must remove any
torch cuts before the speeds can be increased beyond the maximum
allowable for Class 2 track. If a railroad chooses to upgrade a segment
of track from any class of track to Class 4 or 5, it must remove all
torch cuts.
Section 213.123--Tie Plates
This notice proposes to add a new subsection (b) to this section
which reads, ``In Classes 3 through 5 track, no metal object which
causes a concentrated load by solely supporting a rail shall be allowed
between the base of rail and the bearing surface of the tie plate.''
Similar wording for this paragraph was originally recommended to the
RSAC by FRA's Technical Resolution Committee.
The specific reference to ``metal object'' is intended to include
only those items of track material which pose the greatest potential
for broken base rails such as track spikes, rail anchors, and shoulders
of tie plates. The phrase ``causes a concentrated load by solely
supporting a rail'' further clarifies the intent of the regulation to
apply only in those instances where there is clear physical evidence
that the metal object is placing substantial load on the rail base, as
indicated by lack of load on adjacent ties.
Section 213.127--Rail Fastening Systems
This notice proposes to change the title of this section from
``Rail fastenings'' to ``Rail fastening systems'' and to reduce the
language of the regulation to one sentence which reads ``Track shall be
fastened by a system of components which effectively maintains gage
within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.53(b).''
The change to ``rail fastening systems'' more adequately addresses
the many individual components of modern-day elastic fastening systems,
such as pads, insulator clips, and shoulder inserts. The failure of
certain critical components within the system could adversely affect
the ability of the individual fastener to provide adequate gage
restraint. The revised language of the regulation provides for an
evaluation of all components within the system, if necessary, in order
to evaluate whether they are affording effective gage restraint.
The RSAC considers the current reference to qualified Federal or
State
[[Page 36152]]
track inspectors and the definition of a qualified State track
inspector to be redundant, given the adoption of Part 212. Therefore,
this notice proposes to delete the phrase ``qualified Federal or State
track inspector,'' as well as the last sentence of the current section
which contains the definition of a qualified state track inspector.
Section 213.133--Turnouts and Track Crossings Generally
This notice proposes to retain the language of subsection (a) which
reads, ``In turnouts and track crossings, the fastenings must be intact
and maintained so as to keep the components securely in place.'' The
AAR proposed to revise the language to say, ``* * * the fastenings must
be maintained for the safe passage of trains.'' The AAR contended that
turnout and track crossings are designed with a high degree of
redundancy, making it unnecessary for each fastening to be intact to
maintain safety. However, the RSAC recommends that the regulations
allow track inspectors discretion to evaluate immediate circumstances
in determining what level of remedial action is necessary for loose or
missing fastenings. RSAC recommends that inspectors be provided
specific guidance about interpreting this provision, such as the
guidance contained in technical bulletin T-95-09 recently issued by
FRA.
This notice proposes to change subsection (b) to reflect proposals
presented by the BMWE and by the AAR and FRA. The RSAC recommends that
rail anchoring requirements be extended to include Class 3 trackage and
that ``rail anchors'' be changed to ``rail anchoring `` so that rail
anchoring would include elastic rail fasteners.
Section 213.135--Switches
This notice proposes to revise subsection (b) to consider the
existence of reinforcing bars or straps on switch points where joint
bars cannot be applied to certain rail defects, as required under
Sec. 213.113(a)(2), because of the physical configuration of the
switch. In these instances, remedial action B will govern, and a person
designated under Sec. 213.7(a), who has at least one year of
supervisory experience in track maintenance, will limit train speed to
that not exceeding 30 m.p.h. or the maximum allowable under
Sec. 213.9(a) for the appropriate class of track, whichever is lower.
Of course, the person may exercise the options under Sec. 213.5(a) when
appropriate.
The RSAC did not recommend specific dimensions for determining when
switch points are ``unusually chipped or worn,'' as provided for in
subsection (h). FRA stated that its Accident/Incident data base
indicates that worn or broken switch points are the largest single
cause of derailments within the general category of ``Frogs, Switches,
and Appliances.'' However, the AAR contended that developing meaningful
numbers for these measurements would be a difficult task because most
of these derailments are related also to other causal factors such as
wheel flange condition, truck stiffness, and train handling
characteristics. This notice, therefore, proposes to retain the current
wording in subsection (h), allowing qualified individuals to evaluate
immediate circumstances to determine when switch points are ``unusually
chipped or worn.''
A new subsection (i) is proposed by this notice to read, ``Tongue
and plain mate switches, which by design exceed Class 1 and excepted
track maximum gage limits, are permitted in Class 1 and excepted
track.'' This new subsection provides an exemption for this item of
specialized track work, primarily used in pavement or street railroads,
which by design does not conform to the maximum gage limits prescribed
for Class 1 and excepted track.
Section 213.137--Frogs
This notice proposes to add a new subsection (d) to this section,
which reads, ``Where frogs are designed as flange-bearing, flangeway
depth may be less than that shown for Class 1 if operated at Class 1
speeds.'' This subsection provides an exemption for an item of
specialized track work which by design does not conform to the minimum
flangeway depth requirements prescribed in subsection (a) of this
section.
Section 213.143--Frog Guard Rails and Guard Faces; Gage
To facilitate an easier understanding of the requirements contained
in this section, this notice proposes to add a diagram to illustrate
the method for measuring guard check gage and guard face gage. The
proposal contains no substantive changes to this section.
Section 213.205--Derails
This notice proposes to add language to this section designed to
ensure that derails are maintained to function properly. The RSAC
recommended these changes as additional safety features for train
crews, as well as railroad employees working on and around tracks.
Section 213.233--Track Inspections
This notice proposes several changes to subsection (b). The five
m.p.h. restriction over highway crossings is eliminated to permit safe
operation of vehicles through highway traffic. However, the subsection
would still require an inspector to perform an adequate inspection,
regardless of how the inspector operates over the crossing. Also, the
word ``switch'' is replaced by the word ``turnout'' to clarify the
track device originally intended to be addressed in the regulation.
The Track Working Group considered advising the RSAC to recommend
specific speed restrictions for inspection vehicles. However, after
several lengthy discussions, the group suggested instead that this
subsection provide the individual inspector with sole discretion in
determining vehicle speed based on track conditions, inspection
requirements, and other circumstances that may vary from day to day and
location to location. The group also suggested the insertion of a
footnote at the end of this section which indicates this discretion is
not limited by any other part of this section, and is extended to
determine sight distance (``visibility remains unobstructed by any
cause'') which is referenced in subsections (b) (1) and (2) of this
section.
The existing language under subsection (b) does not specify how
many tracks may be inspected in one pass of an inspection vehicle in
multiple track territory. FRA has never issued interpretive language
regarding this issue, opting to judge the overall effectiveness of the
inspection program rather than the specific manner in which it was
conducted. This notice proposes to establish some guidelines for hy-
rail inspections conducted in multiple track territory.
As a result, subsection (b) contains additional language specifying
the number of additional tracks that can be inspected, depending on
whether one or two qualified individuals are in the vehicle, and
depending on the distance between adjacent tracks measured between
track centerlines. Inspectors may inspect multiple tracks from hy-rail
vehicles only if their view of the tracks inspected is unobstructed by
tunnels, differences in ground level, or any other circumstance that
would prevent an unobstructed inspection of all the tracks they are
inspecting. The revised subsection also requires railroad to traverse
each main track bi-weekly and each siding monthly, and to so note on
the appropriate track inspection records.
[[Page 36153]]
With respect to the inspection frequency required in subsection
(c), neither the Track Working Group nor the RSAC could reach agreement
in determining a frequency requirement that would be based on speed,
tonnage, or track usage. Therefore, this notice does not propose to
change the language in this subsection.
Section 213.235--Switch and Track Crossing Inspections
This notice proposes to change subsection (a) by adding the word
``turnout'' after the word ``switch'' to clarify the track device and
the intent of the requirement which is to inspect the entire turnout.
The word ``switch'' is retained to include switch point derails or any
other device which is not considered a full turnout.
A second sentence is added to subsection (a) which reads, ``Each
switch in Classes 3 through 5 track that is held in position only by
the operating mechanism and one connecting rod shall be operated to all
of its positions during one inspection in every 3-month period.'' The
nature of this type of switch requires a thorough inspection of the
critical parts, some of which are non-redundant. This is best
accomplished by operating the switch mechanism to allow for a better
inspection of these components. The phrase ``all positions'' is
intended to cover slip switches and lap switches.
In subsection (b), the word ``turnout'' is added after the word
``switch'' for the same reasons explained above.
Section 213.237--Inspection of Rail
Under existing subsection (a), the Track Safety Standards require
Classes 4 and 5 track, as well as Class 3 track over which passenger
trains operate, to be tested annually for internal rail defects. This
requirement was established at a time when main line freight traffic
was considerably lighter than it is today. At the time the original
standards were drafted, test frequencies generally equated to intervals
between 15 and 20 million gross tons (MGTs), although there existed
some track that carried 40 MGTs or more in one year. As a matter of
practice, railroads generally test more often than presently required
under the standards, with intervals between tests typically ranging
from 20 to 30 MGTs. These typical intervals define a good baseline for
generally accepted maintenance practices, and the industry's rail
quality managers consider these limits as points of departure for
adjustment of test schedules to account for the effects of specific
track characteristics, maintenance, traffic, and weather.
This notice proposes to leave unchanged the present annual test
requirement for Classes 4 and 5 track and Class 3 track over which
passenger trains operate, based on risk factors associated with freight
train speeds and passenger train operations. However, with the high
utilization trackage that now exists on Class 1 freight railroads, the
original requirement based solely on the passage of time, without
regard to tonnage, is no longer adequate.
Selecting an appropriate frequency of rail testing is a complex and
somewhat controversial task involving many different factors including
temperature differential, curvature, residual stresses, rail sections,
and cumulative tonnage. Taking into consideration all of the above
factors, FRA's research suggests that 40 MGTs is the maximum tonnage
that can be hauled between rail tests and still allow a safe window of
opportunity for detection of an internal rail flaw before it propagates
in size to service failure. This notice proposes that intervals be set
at once per year or 40 MGTs, whichever is shorter, for Classes 4 and 5
track and for Class 3 track over which passenger trains operate.
This notice also proposes that Class 3 trackage not supporting
passenger traffic be subject to testing for internal rail defects.
FRA's Accident/Incident data point to a need for inclusion of all Class
3 trackage in a railroad's rail testing program. Therefore, this notice
proposes to add a requirement that Class 3 track over which passenger
trains do not operate be tested once a year or once very 30 MGTs,
whichever is longer.
This notice proposes the limit of once a year or 30 MGTs because a
more frequent testing cycle or a cycle identical to that proposed for
Classes 4 and 5 track would be too burdensome for the industry. The
proposed limits are designed to give short line railroads and low
tonnage branch lines some relief from the introduction of a new
regulatory requirement and still reduce the present risks associated
with not testing Class 3 track at all.
This notice also proposes the addition of subsections (d) and (e).
Subsection (d) addresses the case where a valid search for internal
rail defects could not be made because of rail surface conditions.
Several types of technologies are presently employed to search for
internal rail defects, some with varying means of displaying and
monitoring search signals. Therefore, this notice does not define a
non-test in absolute technical terms, but rather leaves this judgment
to the rail test equipment operator who is uniquely qualified on that
equipment.
Proposed subsection (e) specifies the options available to a
railroad following a non-test due to rail surface conditions. These
options must be exercised prior to the expiration of time or tonnage
limits specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
Section 213.239--Special Inspections
The RSAC recommended no change to this section, and likewise, FRA
proposes no change to the language in the regulation. However, FRA
believes that an explanation of agency policy interpreting the section
is in order. Although the section contains a sample list of surprise
events that occur in nature, FRA does not view this provision as
limited to only the occurrences listed or to only natural disasters.
``Other occurrences'' also includes such natural phenomena as
temperature extremes, as well as unexpected events that are human-made,
e.g., a vehicle that falls on the tracks from an overhead bridge, a
water main break that floods a track roadbed, or terrorist activity
that damages track. This interpretation is not new; FRA has always
viewed this section to encompass sudden events of all kinds that affect
the safety and integrity of track.
Section 213.241--Inspection Records
This notice proposes to change the requirement that railroads
retain a record of each track inspection at division headquarters for
at least one year. When this provision in subsection (b) was first
written, railroads maintained many division headquarters throughout
their systems, making it relatively convenient for railroads to
maintain inspection records at these locations. Over the years,
however, railroads consolidated many of their headquarters, often
naming only a few locations as ``division headquarters.'' FRA has
contended that maintaining inspection records in only a few locations
over a system that may include thousands of miles of track was not in
keeping with the spirit of the regulation. Railroads have argued, on
the other hand, that compelling them to maintain headquarters for no
other purpose than to store records was a burdensome requirement.
The proposed change would allow railroads to designate a location
within 100 miles of each state where records can be viewed by FRA track
inspectors following 10 days notice by FRA. The provision does not
require the railroads to maintain the records at these designated
locations, only to be able to provide viewing of them at the locations
within 10 days after notification. The
[[Page 36154]]
proposal stipulates locations within 100 miles of each state, rather
than locations in each state, to accommodate those railroads whose
operations may cross a state's line by only a few miles. In those
cases, the railroad could designate a location in a neighboring state,
provided the location is within 100 miles of that state's border.
A change to subsection (c) requires a track owner to record any
locations where a proper rail inspection cannot be performed because of
rail surface conditions. A new provision at Sec. 213.237(d) specifies
that if rail surface conditions prohibit the railroad from conducting a
proper search for rail defects, a test of that rail does not fulfill
the requirements of Sec. 213.237(a) which requires a search for
internal defects at specific intervals. The new language in subsection
(c) of this section requires a recordkeeping of those instances.
This notice also proposes to add a provision for maintaining and
retrieving electronic records of track inspections. Patterned after an
experimental program successfully tried by the former Atchison Topeka &
Santa Fe Railroad with oversight by FRA, the provision in subsection
(e) allows each railroad to design its own electronic system as long as
the system meets the specified criteria to safeguard the integrity and
authenticity of each record. The provision also requires that railroads
make available paper copies of electronic records when needed by FRA or
by railroad track inspectors.
Subpart G--High Speed Track Standards
Section 213.301--Scope of Subpart.
Subpart G applies to track required to support the passage of
qualified flanged wheel, high speed passenger and freight equipment in
specific speed ranges. The terms ``qualified'' and ``flanged wheel''
are necessary to limit the scope of this subpart to track that is
designed for equipment which has been ``qualified'' to operate on that
track within acceptable safety limits. For high speeds, the track and
the vehicles operated on the track must be considered as an integral
system. This subpart does not apply to technology such as ``Maglev''
that does not use flanged wheel equipment.
Section 213.303--Responsibility for Compliance
Only two response options are available under this paragraph. Track
owners who know or have notice of non-compliance with this subpart may
either bring the track into compliance with the subpart or halt
operations over that track. This section does not offer the railroad
the option of operating under this subpart with the supervision of a
qualified person, as in the standards for track Classes 1 through 5.
Such an option would permit too much opportunity for disaster from
human error. Under this subpart, if a track does not comply with the
requirements of its class, it must be repaired immediately or train
speeds must be reduced to the maximum speed for the track class with
which the track complies. It may be necessary on occasion for the track
owner to reduce the class of track to Class 5 or below. When this
occurs, the requirements for the lower classes (1-5) will apply.
Section 213.305--Designation of Qualified Individuals; General
Qualifications
Work on or about a track structure supporting qualified high speed
passenger trains demands the highest awareness of employees about the
need to perform work properly.
A person may be qualified to perform restorations and renewals
under this subpart in three ways. First, the person may combine five or
more years of supervisory experience in track maintenance for track
Class 4 or higher and the successful completion of a course offered by
the employer or by a college level engineering program, supplemented by
special on-the-job training. Second, a person may be qualified by a
combination of at least one year of supervisory experience in track
maintenance of Class 4 or higher, 80 hours of specialized training or
in a college level program, supplemented with on-the-job training.
Under the third option, a railroad employee with at least two years of
experience in maintenance of high speed track can achieve qualification
status by completing 120 hours of specialized training in maintenance
of high speed track, provided by the employer or by a college level
engineering program, supplemented by special on-the-job training.
Similarly, a person may be qualified to perform track inspections
in Classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 by attaining five or more years of experience
in inspection in track Class 4 or higher and by completing a course
taught by the employer or by a college level engineering program,
supplemented by special on-the-job training. Or, the person may be
qualified by attaining a combination of at least one year of experience
in track inspection in Class 4 and higher and by successfully
completing 80 hours of specialized training in the inspection of high
speed track provided by the employer or by a college level engineering
program, supplemented with on-the-job training. Finally, a person may
be qualified by attaining two years of experience in track maintenance
in Class 4 and above and by successfully completing 120 hours of
specialized training in the inspection of high speed track provided by
the employer or by a college level engineering program, supplemented by
special on-the-job training provided by the employer with emphasis on
the inspection of high speed track. The third option is intended to
provide a way for employees with two years of experience in the
maintenance of high speed track to gain the necessary training to be
qualified to inspect track.
For both categories of qualifications, the person must have
experience in Class 4 track or above. To properly maintain and inspect
Class 4 track or higher requires a level of knowledge of track geometry
and track conditions that are not as readily obtained at lower classes.
Persons who are qualified for high speed track must know how to work,
maintain, and measure high quality track. Experience in Class 4 track
is established as a lower limit to provide a pool of candidates, that
may be drawn from freight railroads, who would provide the necessary
experience on well-maintained track.
This section also includes specific requirements for qualifications
of persons charged with maintaining and inspecting CWR. Training of
employees in CWR procedures is essential for high speed operations.
Each person inspecting and maintaining CWR must understand how CWR
behaves and how to prevent track buckles and other adverse track
reactions to thermal and dynamic loading.
Section 213.307--Class of Track: Operating Speed Limits
For several years, passenger service on the Northeast Corridor has
operated at 125 m.p.h. under conditional waivers granted by FRA. Amtrak
has established specific procedures for this category of speed from
which the railroad industry has accumulated valuable knowledge about
track behavior in this speed range. The speed of 125 m.p.h. is the
natural boundary for the maximum allowable operating speed for Class 7
track. Because trainsets have operated in this country at speeds up to
160 m.p.h. for periods of several months under waivers for testing and
evaluation, the maximum limit of 160 m.p.h. is established for Class 8.
In the next several years, certain operations, like the Florida
Overland Express, may achieve speeds of up to 200 m.p.h. Class 9 track
is established
[[Page 36155]]
for this possibility. The exceptions for the maximum allowable
operating speeds for each class of track parallels the standards for
the lower classes, except that a speed of 10 m.p.h over the maximum
intended operating speeds is permitted during the qualification phase
per Section 213.345.
Although high speed rail is most often considered in terms of
passenger travel, non-passenger high speed train service (e.g., the
mail trains operated by Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor) is also a
possibility. All equipment, whether used for passenger or freight, must
demonstrate the same vehicle/track performance and be qualified on the
high speed track. Hazardous materials, except for limited and small
quantities, may not move in bulk on trains operated at high speeds. The
limitations noted are similar to those involved in commercial passenger
and freight air travel.
Section 213.309--Restoration or Renewal of Track Under Traffic
Conditions
This section addresses two elements of concern: (1) that the
stability of the track structure not be significantly degraded and (2)
that roadway worker safety not be compromised. For restoration under
traffic conditions, this section allows only track maintenance that
does not affect the safe passage of trains and involves the replacement
of worn, broken, or missing components or fastenings or minor levels of
spot surfacing.
Section 213.311--Measuring Track Under Load; Section 213.317
Exemptions; Section 213.319 Drainage; Section 213.321 Vegetation
These sections are identical to the corresponding sections in the
standards for track Classes 1 though 5.
Section 213.323--Track Gage
This section introduces limits for change in gage. Analysis has
shown that an abrupt change in gage can produce significant wheel
forces at high speeds. The minimum and maximum limits for gage values
Classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 were set to minimize the onset of truck hunting.
Section 213.327--Alignment
Uniformity is established by averaging the offset values for nine
points centered around each point along the track at a spacing
specified in the table. Uniformity defined in this way applies
anywhere--curves, tangent segments, and spirals. Analysis has shown
that points in transition areas such as around the ``point-of-spiral-
to-curve'' can be included in this averaging technique. No distinction
is made as to where the uniform calculation takes place. Tangent,
curve, and spiral transitions have historically been difficult to
determine in the field. The use of the uniformity filter obviates the
need to make determinations based on the identification of these
transitions.
This section provides three chord lengths for different types of
vehicle/track interaction modes. Chords of 31-, 62-, and 124-foot
lengths provide control of single and multiple defects in the
wavelength bands most likely to affect vehicle dynamics and ride
quality.
The 62-foot chord was selected because of its proximity to the
truck center spacing of most high speed passenger vehicles. In phase
carbody resonance modes such as bounce, roll and sway are most affected
by track anomalies with a wavelength that is near the truck center
spacing. Control of track geometry limits based on the 62-foot chord
will help reduce the magnitude of such carbody motion. This chord also
is predominantly used for track Classes 1 through 5 and is familiar to
track inspection and maintenance personnel.
The 31-foot chord controls short wavelength defects that can result
in high wheel forces over a short portion of track. These forces may
not produce excessive carbody motion, yet their action on the wheels
and truck may cause derailment. Most foreign high speed railroads use a
10-meter chord which is approximately equal in length to the 31-foot
chord required in this section.
To control longer wavelengths, most foreign high speed railroads
use a 30-or 40-meter chord. The 124-foot chord, which is approximately
equal to a 40-meter chord, provides a means to locate and measure
longer wavelength track anomalies. These long-wavelength anomalies
provide dynamic input to the high speed rail vehicles and can excite
carbody resonance modes at high speeds. Excessive carbody motion can
lead to poor carbody accelerations and wheel/rail forces, and in the
extreme, may also cause derailment.
Addition of this chord length allows measurement of anomalies with
wavelengths up to 300 feet. The Japanese National Railway adopted a 40-
meter chord after recent speed increases on its Tokaido line. Research
and testing indicated a stronger correlation between carbody motion and
track geometry limits based on 40-meter mid-chord offsets.
Section 213.329--Curves, Elevation and Speed Limitations
The determination of the maximum speed that a vehicle may operate
around a curve is based on the degree of curvature, actual elevation,
and amount of unbalanced elevation where the actual elevation and
curvature are derived by a moving average technique. This approach is
as valid in the high speed regime as in the lower classes. The moving
average technique recognizes the steady state (one or two second
duration) nature of the Vmax formula.
The maximum operating speed for each curve is determined by the
Vmax formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.010
Where
Vmax = Maximum allowable operating speed (miles per hour).
Ea = Actual elevation of the outside rail (inches).
Eu = Unbalance elevation or cant deficiency
D = Degree of curvature (degrees).
While the cant deficiency proposed in Classes 1 through 5 is three
or four inches, cant deficiencies proposed for qualified high speed
train are considerably higher. FRA has granted waivers for up to nine
inches for revenue service and up to twelve inches for testing for
qualified equipment. Higher cant deficiencies are allowed for high
speed trains that may include tilting systems. The qualification
testing will ensure that the vehicle will not exceed the vehicle/track
safety performance limits set forth in this subpart when operating at
these higher cant deficiencies.
In order to qualify the vehicle at higher cant deficiencies, the
railroad must provide technical testing information using the same
procedures that have been used in past years for waivers for higher
cant deficiencies. This procedure is commonly called the ``static lean
test'' where the vehicle is elevated on one side and wheel loads are
measured and the roll angle is determined. Based on acceptable testing
information and other technical submissions, FRA will approve the
higher cant deficiencies for the specific vehicle type. Equipment that
has already been qualified under conditional approval by FRA shall be
considered as having complied with this qualification process.
The maximum crosslevel on the outside of a curve is established at
seven inches. Elevation in excess of that
[[Page 36156]]
amount presents a safety consideration for freight trains with high
centers of gravity, operating at lower speeds in the curve.
Section 213.331--Track Surface
The chord lengths in the table are selected for the same reasons
discussed in Sec. 213.327 (alignment). The multiple chords measure
different surface anomaly wavelengths.
The surface table addresses both single and multiple events.
Studies have shown that the smaller limits are necessary when surface
anomalies repeat themselves three more times over the specified chord
length. The parameter commonly called ``warp,'' the difference in
crosslevel between any two points, does not require a specific limit
for repeated warp conditions at high speeds.
Section 213.333--Automated Vehicle Inspection Systems
Technology is available today to perform three essential tasks
necessary for high speed train operation: track geometry measuring
systems (TGMS), gage restraint measuring systems (GRMS), and vehicle/
track performance measuring systems. The vehicle/track performance
systems encompass both acceleration and wheel force measurements. These
functions may be combined in the same or different vehicles. This
section provides for the implementation of these systems.
The GRMS is primarily used on timber-tied track of certain freight
railroads, to evaluate the effectiveness, on a continuous basis, of
rail/tie fastening systems. This section requires the use of GRMS in
Classes 8 and 9 to measure the gage restraint of the track, including
the strength of the ties and the ability of the fastenings to maintain
gage. Specified safety limits were established after testing on the
Northeast Corridor where the track is predominately concrete-tied with
timber tie turnouts. GRMS on concrete ties is effective in identifying
defective ties and conditions with missing fasteners or a relaxation of
toe load of gage-side rail fasteners. GRMS is required in Classes 8 and
9 to measure the resistance of the track to forces generated by wheel
flanging in the gaging space. The use of the GRMS is necessary to
insure sufficient gage restraint at the gage limits set to control
truck hunting.
Railroads that operate trains at speeds above 110 mph universally
employ automatic track geometry measuring systems to generate data to
point out train safety hazards in the track structure. Reliance on only
visual inspections to locate small track irregularities is difficult.
In France, track geometry measuring vehicles are operated quarterly
over high speed lines for the purpose of collecting track maintenance
data. Track safety inspections are based on the exercise of an
instrumented vehicle drawn from the high speed fleet. The French
National Railroad (SNCF), exhibits confidence in relying on truck and
carbody performance specifications to guarantee safe behavior at the
wheel/rail interface and this initiative has been proven in service.
This section requires vehicle/track measurements to be made by
truck frame accelerometers and carbody accelerometers, and by
instrumented wheelsets to measure wheel/rail forces. Functional truck
side and carbody accelerometers are required in at least two vehicles
in each train in Classes 8 and 9. The track owner is required to have
in effect written procedures for the notification of track forces when
the devices indicate a possible track-related condition. An
instrumented car in Classes 7, 8 and 9, or a portable device that
monitors on-board instrumentation on trains, must be operated at the
revenue speed profile at the specified frequency to monitor carbody and
truck frame accelerations to ensure that the vehicle/track performance
limits contained in this section are not exceeded.
For Classes 8 and 9, a car equipped with instrumented wheelsets
must be operated annually to ensure that the wheel/rail force safety
limits are not exceeded.
The safety limits contained in the Vehicle/Track Interaction
Performance Limits table were derived from technical literature, years
of research, experience by foreign railroads, and computer simulation
and validation. They must not be exceeded either during the
qualification phase required under Sec. 213.345 or in the periodic
measurement of accelerations and wheel/rail forces required in this
section.
The minimum vertical wheel load safety limit is 10 percent of the
static vertical wheel load. The static vertical wheel load is defined
as the load that the wheel would carry while stationary on level track.
This safety criteria assures that no excessive wheel unloading is
experienced by any wheel on the operating vehicle. Significant wheel
unloading greatly increases the risk of derailment in the dynamic
environment of a vehicle traveling at high speed.
The ratio of the lateral force that any wheel exerts on an
individual rail to the vertical force exerted by the same wheel on the
rail (L/V ratio) is limited by the Nadal formula. The limit on any
wheel's L/V ratio ensures that the risk of a wheel climb derailment is
minimized. The wheel flange angle referenced in the formula
should correspond to actual measurements of wheel flange angle as
provided by the requirements of the vehicle qualification testing
specified in Sec. 213.345.
The net axle lateral force exerted by any axle on the track should
not exceed 50 percent of the static vertical load exerted by the same
axle. This safety criteria ensures that no excessive track panel shift
or misalignment is produced by the moving vehicle. For vehicles
operating at high speeds, track panel shift can produce unsafe carbody
and/or truck motion and, in the extreme, can cause derailment.
The ratio of the lateral forces that the wheels on one side of any
truck exert on an individual rail to the vertical forces exerted by the
same wheels on that rail must not exceed 0.60. This limit ensures that
the risk of a rail rollover derailment is minimized.
The lateral carbody peak-to-peak acceleration (defined by the
algebraic difference between the two extreme values of measured
acceleration within a one-second duration) is limited to 0.5g. Carbody
lateral accelerations above this limit reflect a very poor ride quality
and a degraded track and/or vehicle condition.
The vertical carbody peak-to-peak acceleration (defined by the
algebraic difference between the two extreme values of measured
acceleration within a one-second duration) is limited to 0.6g. Carbody
vertical accelerations above this limit also reflect a poor ride
quality and a degraded track and/or vehicle condition.
The Root Mean Square (RMS) of the lateral truck acceleration for
any two-second duration is limited to 0.4 g. This safety limit ensures
that no sustained truck hunting is experienced by the moving vehicle.
Sustained truck hunting produces undesirable ride quality and
significantly increases the risk of derailment. The RMS of the lateral
truck acceleration must be calculated over a two-second window from
which the mean value of the acceleration has been removed.
The vertical truck zero-to-peak acceleration is limited to 5.0 g.
Exceeding this safety limit can indicate undesirable short wavelength
track anomalies.
Ultimately, vehicle/track interaction safety is assured by
controlling wheel/rail forces to safe limits. Appropriate limits for
track geometry and vehicle response acceleration provide strong
[[Page 36157]]
indications of the likely wheel/forces which would be produced by
operating trains. Use of an instrumented wheelset also provides a level
of safety assurance for new and unusual vehicle designs that differ
from the conventional vehicle dynamic models that were used to develop
the track geometry and vehicle/track interaction limits.
Section 213.335--Crossties
Various types of crossties may be installed in high speed track
provided that the ties maintain the proper gage, surface and alignment.
Slab track (track imbedded in concrete) or other construction may also
be used if the construction complies with the requirements of this
section. Because of the wide use of concrete ties in high speed track
throughout the world, this section establishes safety requirements for
concrete ties.
The requirements for ties in this subpart differ from those in the
corresponding section for crossties in Classes 1 through 5. For non-
concrete-tied construction, the requirements for ties parallel those of
the lower standards except that permissive lateral movement of tie
plates is set at \3/8\ inch instead of \1/2\ inch and a requirement for
rail holding spikes is added.
For concrete-tied track, effective ties must not exhibit the known
failure modes listed. These failure modes were derived largely from
experience in the Northeast Corridor. The number and distribution
requirements of both non-concrete ties and concrete ties is more
stringent than the requirements for the lower classes. For example, 14
effective concrete crossties in Class 6 and 16 effective concrete ties
are required in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in each 39-foot segment of track.
For both concrete and timber construction, a minimum number of non-
defective ties is specified on each side of a defective tie.
Section 213.337--Defective Rails
The requirements for the identification of rail flaws and
appropriate remedial action are valid in high speed track classes as
well as the lower track classes. This section is unchanged from the
standards for the lower classes except that language references to
specific lower classes are deleted as unnecessary. If severe rail
surface conditions (such as corrugation, shelling, spalling, and
checking) occur in high speed lines, they likely will lead to degraded
vehicle/track performance and require the track owner to reduce speeds.
Therefore, remedial requirements for these conditions are the same as
those for the lower track classes. The flattened rail head is
especially important to identify in high speed track because of the
adverse effect on track geometry cause by the short anomaly of a
depression in the rail.
Section 213.339--Inspection of Rail in Service
A continuous search for internal rail defects must be made of all
rail in track in track Classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 at a frequency of twice
per year. This requirement is consistent with the frequency used on
Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (essentially, Class 6 and 7) and as well as
the approach used in France which inspects rails are in the track twice
a year. The same requirements for Classes 1 through 5 apply if a rail
flaw inspection cannot be made over a particular segment of track.
Section 213.341--Initial Inspection of New Rail and Welds
This section provides for the initial inspection of new rail,
either at the mill or within 90 days after installation, and for the
initial inspection of new welds made in new or used rail. It also
provides for alternatives for these inspections. Compliance with the
initial inspection of new rail and welds may be demonstrated by in-
service inspection, mill inspections, welding plant inspections, and
inspections of field welds.
Section 213.343--Continuous Welded Rail (CWR)
As with CWR for the lower classes of track, FRA will review the
railroad's written procedures for the installation, adjustment,
maintenance and inspection of CWR, and training for the application of
these procedures.
Section 213.345--Vehicle Qualification Testing
All rolling stock, both passenger and freight, must be qualified
for operation for its intended class. This section ``grandfathers''
equipment that has already operated in the specified classes. Rolling
stock operating in Class 6 within one year prior to the promulgation of
this rule shall be considered as qualified. Vehicles operating at Class
7 speeds prior to the promulgation of the rule under conditional
waivers are qualified for Class 7. This includes equipment that is
presently operating on the Northeast Corridor at Class 7 speeds.
The qualification testing will ensure that the equipment will not
exceed the vehicle/track performance limits specified in Sec. 213.333
at any speed less than 10 m.p.h. above the proposed maximum operating
speed. Testing at a maximum speed at least 10 m.p.h. above the proposed
operating speed is required. The test report must include the design
flange angle of the equipment that will be used for the determination
of the lateral to vertical wheel load safety limit for the vehicle/
track performance measurements required in Sec. 213.333(k).
Subsection (d) requires the operator to submit an analysis and
description of the signal system and operating practices to govern
operations in Classes 7, 8 and 9. This submission will include a
statement of sufficiency in these areas for the class of operation
intended. Based on test results and submissions, FRA will approve a
maximum train speed and value of cant deficiency for revenue service.
Section 213.347--Automotive or Railroad Crossings at Grade
There are no highway or railroad grade crossings on the Amtrak
route between Washington, DC and New York City. Much of this line is
operated by revenue passenger trains at 125 m.p.h. (Class 7 speeds).
Highway crossings and railroad crossings at grade (diamonds) may not be
present in Class 8 and 9 track.
Technology currently is being developed that would prevent
inappropriate intrusion of vehicles onto the railroad rights-of-way.
This technology involves the use of barrier systems with intrusion
detection and train stop, as well as advance warning systems. Because
the technology is under development, it would be premature to include
specific requirements for barrier systems and related technology in
this section. However, the railroad is required to submit for approval
a description of the crossing warning system for each crossing.
Section 213.349--Rail End Mismatch
Vertical or horizontal mismatch of rails at joints must be less
than one-eighth of an inch for Classes 6 through 9. A more restrictive
criteria is not necessary and would be impractical.
Section 213.351--Rail Joints
This section is less permissive than its counterpart for the lower
speed classes. Fracture mechanics tests and analyses demonstrate that
there is no place in the high speed train operating regime for
defective joint bars. The propagation rate of a crack large enough to
be visible in a joint bar is unpredictable. Once a joint bar has
ruptured, its companion joint bar is immediately in danger of overload.
Upon discovery of a defective joint bars, the track owner must reduce
the track class at the location of the
[[Page 36158]]
defective bar and proceed according to the requirements of Subpart D.
Section 213.353--Turnouts and Crossovers, Generally
The requirements in this section are similar to those in the lower
classes. Fastenings must be intact and maintained so as to keep the
components securely in place. Each switch, frog, and guard rail must be
free of obstructions that may interfere with the passage of wheels.
Rail anchoring is required to restrain rail movement affecting the
position of switch points and frogs.
Experience in this country with the maintenance of turnouts and
crossovers in high speed territories is limited. The use of
conventional switch and frog components in present-day 125 m.p.h. track
can produce harsh vehicle response which, while not necessarily unsafe,
is likely to be less and less welcome in the future, particularly at
train speeds above 125 m.p.h.
Worldwide, the trend for turnouts and crossovers in high speed
lines is toward reliance on long switch points and moveable point
frogs. Amtrak has some limited experience with these features at fairly
high train speeds, and the western coal railroads have a great deal of
experience, especially with moveable point frogs, with turnout
component performance in low speed, cumulative tonnage conditions. This
section requires that the track owner, intending to operate trains at
high speeds, to develop a turnout and inspection handbook for the
instruction of employees involved in this work. Requirements for
switches, frogs, and spring frogs that are present in the standards for
the lower classes are not specifically listed, but will be addressed in
the railroad's Guidebook.
The purpose of such a document is to encourage formal consideration
of problems associated with inspection and maintenance of these track
features and to establish a consistent system approach to the
performance of related work.
Section 213.355--Frog Guard Rails and Guard Faces; Gage
The most restrictive practical measurements for these important
parameters are included. The limits for guard check and guard face gage
are set at a limit that permits minimal wear.
Section 213.357--Derails
Because it is essential that railroad rolling stock be prevented
from fouling the track in front of a high speed train, this section
presents strict requirements for derails to be fully functional and
linked to the signal systems.
Section 213.359--Track Stiffness
Track must have sufficient vertical strength and lateral strength
to withstand the maximum loads generated at maximum permissible train
speeds, cant deficiency and lateral or vertical defects so that the
track will return to a configuration in compliance with the track
performance and geometry requirements of this subpart. It is imperative
that the track structure is structurally qualified to accept the loads
without unacceptable deformation.
Section 213.361--Right-Of-Way
This section requires the track owner to submit a barrier plan,
termed a ``right-of-way plan,'' to FRA for approval. The plan will
include, at a minimum, provisions in areas of demonstrated need to
address the prevention of vandalism by trespassers and intrusion of
vehicles from adjacent rights of way. A particular form of vandalism,
the launching of objects from overhead bridges or structures, is
specifically listed.
Section 213.365--Visual Inspections
Visual inspections are considered to be an important component of
the railroad's overall inspection program. The section largely
parallels the requirements for the lower classes. The inspection
requirements are twice weekly for Classes 6, 7 and 8 and three times
per week for Class 9. Turnouts and crossovers must be inspected in
accordance with the Guidebook required under Sec. 213.353. The practice
in France of operating a train at reduced speeds following a period
with no train traffic is adopted in this section.
Section 213.367--Special Inspections
The requirements of this section are the same as those for the
lower track classes except that the occurrence of temperature extremes
is specifically listed as an event that requires a track inspection.
Section 213.369--Inspection Records
The requirements of this section are the same as those for the
lower track classes.
Environmental Impact
FRA has evaluated these proposed regulations in accordance with its
procedures for ensuring full consideration of the potential
environmental impacts of FRA actions, as required by the National
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and related
directives. These proposed regulations meet the criteria that establish
this as a non-major action for environmental purposes.
Appendix
FRA plans to revise Appendix B to Part 213--Schedule of Civil
Penalties, to include penalties for violations of the provisions of
Subpart G and to be included in the final rule. Because such penalty
schedules are statements of policy, notice and comment are not required
prior to their issuance. See 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A). Nevertheless,
interested parties are welcome to submit their views on what penalties
may be appropriate.
Regulatory Impact
Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
This proposed rule has been evaluated in accordance with existing
policies and procedures. It is considered to be significant under both
Executive Order 12866 and DOT policies and procedures (44 FR 11034,
February 26, 1979) because of substantial public interest and safety
implications. FRA has prepared and placed in the docket a regulatory
analysis addressing the economic impact of the rule. Document
inspection and copying facilities are available at 1120 Vermont Avenue,
N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, D.C. Photocopies may also be obtained
by submitting a written request to the FRA Docket Clerk at the Office
Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh Street,
S.W., Mail Stop 10, Washington, D.C. 20590.
FRA's economic analysis showed that there was less certainty about
the economic impact of the proposed rule than would be the case for a
rule developed within an agency, rather than through the RSAC process.
The proposed standards were developed by consensus among members of a
Working Group of the Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC). The RSAC
process affects the shape of the rule very dramatically, because the
process relies on a consensus to adopt recommendations. It also permits
input on variables for which little data exists. Therefore, neither the
underlying rule nor this analysis could assume the shape they would
have had the more traditional rulemaking process been followed.
Further, the RSAC process resulted in many unrelated changes to
individual sections, which were best analyzed section-by-section. In
its conclusion, the FRA finds that the net effect is an increase in
safety and an increase in the burden on the railroads,
[[Page 36159]]
but that the burden on the railroads is not likely to be as great as
the benefit, although there was no way to quantify the magnitude on the
net benefit.
The Track Working Group formed, reached a consensus on internal
working procedures, and addressed the issues. Several issues were
delegated to task groups, which are subgroups of the working group. The
procedure remained the same. The task groups could make no
recommendations until they had a consensus. The working group would not
adopt any recommendation, even if a result of a consensus in the task
group, until there was a consensus in the working group. The full RSAC
would make no recommendation to the Administrator until there was a
majority consensus in the full RSAC, even if there was a consensus in
the working group.
An implication of this is that no entity's representative would
accept a consensus agreement, unless the entity he or she represent
would be at least as well off after the agreement as it had been
before. This analysis therefore uses as a fundamental assumption that
there are no provisions which will impose drastic costs on any segment
represented by members of the Working Group, and Pareto superiority of
the proposal over the current rules. Pareto superiority implies that no
party would be willing to pay to return to the current standards,
although some party might be indifferent between the current standards
and the proposal. There is no implication that the proposal is Pareto
optimal, although Pareto optimality has not been excluded. Were the
proposal Pareto optimal, there would not exist another possible set of
rules which at least one party would be willing to pay to adopt, and
the amount that party would be willing to pay would be sufficient, were
it given to other parties, to induce them to agree to the set of rules.
Nor is the proposal assumed to be optimal. Were it optimal the total
net benefit would be maximized.
The guidance in E.O. 12866 is that we should select the rule with
the maximum net benefit. We cannot know if we have done that here. What
we know is that the proposal is closer to the optimum than the current
rules. The guidance in the Regulatory Flexibility Act is that we should
adopt rules which are flexible, fitting in with how businesses actually
conduct operations, and being sensitive to the concerns of small
businesses. Clearly the RSAC process does this.
Involvement of Small Entities
All of the small entities directly affected by this rule are short
line railroads. They are represented by the American Short Line
Railroad Association (ASLRA). They were members of the working group
that developed this proposal, and of all of the smaller Task Groups
addressing particular subsets of issues in which they were interested.
They were not, of course, involved in developing those standards which
would not apply to any of their members, for example the high speed
track standards. The ASLRA agreed to the proposal, as did all members
of the working group.
Earlier in the process, the FRA published an ANPRM that called for
four workshops, held January through March 1993. The ASLRA also
participated in all of those workshops.
In addition, several short line railroads participated directly in
both the workshops and the Working Group. All of the individual short
line railroads participating in the Working Group agreed to the
proposal.
Almost every change in the proposal will enhance safety. Some
provisions will reduce burdens, but in most cases the burden is
increased, and almost all of the burden falls on the railroads. In
those cases where the burden increased, the railroads participating in
the process arranged the additional burden so that it would have the
least adverse impact. Many of the newly prohibited track conditions are
rare or nonexistent. The impact on small entities was considered at
every step, and phase in periods were used to mitigate the effect on
them when they were affected by the crosstie standard and the new gage
standard for excepted track. There is no clear way to measure the net
effect of the proposal, although it seems likely the net benefit will
be positive. The RSAC process was intended to take rulemaking into
areas where data is sparse, and the end product, as might be expected,
is difficult to quantify.
Federalism Implications
This proposed rule has been analyzed according to the principles of
Executive Order 12612 (``Federalism''). It has been determined that
these proposed amendments to Part 213 do not have federalism
implications. As noted previously, the U.S. Supreme Court, in CSX v.
Easterwood, upheld Federal preemption of any state or local attempts to
regulate train speed. Nothing in this notice proposes to change that
relationship. Likewise, the proposed addition to Part 213's requirement
for vegetation maintenance near grade crossings is not intended to
preempt any similar existing state or local requirements. The
provisions that require railroads seeking to operate in Classes 8 and 9
to have a program addressing vandalism and trespassing are directed
only to the railroads, and not to state or local governments. If a
railroad is unable to provide an adequate program to address these
issues, it will not be allowed to operate at Classes 8 and 9 speeds.
For these reasons, the preparation of a Federalism Assessment is not
warranted.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
This notice contains a summary of an initial regulatory flexibility
analysis (IRFA) as required by the provisions of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act at 5 U.S.C. Secs. 601-612. FRA completed an IRFA as
part of an economic analysis of costs and benefits, and placed of copy
of the IRFA in the docket for this proceeding.
1. Why action by the agency is being considered
The Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act of 1992, Public Law 102-
365, 106 Stat. 972 (September 3, 1992), later amended by the Federal
Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994, Public Law 103-440, 108
Stat. 4615 (November 2, 1994), requires FRA to revise the track safety
regulations contained in 49 CFR Part 213. Now codified at 49 U.S.C.
Sec. 20142, the amended statute requires:
``(a) Review of Existing Regulations.--Not later than March 3,
1993, the Secretary of Transportation shall begin a review of
Department of Transportation regulations related to track safety
standards. The review at least shall include an evaluation of--
(1) procedures associated with maintaining and installing
continuous welded rail and its attendant structure, including cold
weather installation procedures;
(2) the need for revisions to regulations on track excepted from
track safety standards; and
(3) employee safety.
(b) Revision of Regulations.--Not later than September 1, 1995, the
Secretary shall prescribe regulations and issue orders to revise track
safety standards, considering safety information presented during the
review under subsection (a) of this section and the report of the
Comptroller General submitted under subsection ``(c)'' of this section.
* * * * *
(d) Identification of Internal Rail Defects.--In carrying out
subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall consider whether or not to
prescribe regulations and issue orders concerning--
(1) inspection procedures to identify internal rail defects, before
they reach
[[Page 36160]]
imminent failure size, in rail that has significant shelling; and
(2) any specific actions that should be taken when a rail surface
condition, such as shelling, prevents the identification of internal
defects.''
The reasons for the actual provisions of the action considered by the
agency are explained in the body of the analysis.
2. The objectives and legal basis for the proposed rule
The objective of the proposed rule is to enhance the safety of rail
transportation, protecting both those traveling and working on the
system, and those off the system who might be adversely affected by a
rail accident. The legal basis is reflected in the response to 1. above
and in the preamble.
3. A description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to
which the proposed rule would apply
The proposed rule would apply to railroads. Small entities among
affected railroads would all be short line railroads. There are
approximately 700 short line railroads in the United Sates, but many of
them are not small entities, either because they are large enterprises
as railroads, or because they are operations of large entities in other
industries.
4. A description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and other
compliance requirements of the proposed rule, including an estimate of
the classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement
and the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the
report or record
See the Paperwork Reduction Act analysis.
5. Federal rules which may duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the
proposed rule
None.
Significant alternatives:
1. Differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables which
take into account the resources available to small entities
In the two sections most likely to affect small entities,
Sec. 213.4 Excepted Track and Sec. 213.109 Crossties, the proposal
includes a two year phase-in period.
2. Clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and
reporting requirements under the rule for such small entities
Although their needs were considered at every step of the process,
there was no way to reduce the burden on small entities that did not
apply as well to larger entities.
3. Use of performance, rather than design standards
Where possible, especially in the geometry standards, the standards
were tied to performance. Although they were expressed as
specifications, the underlying performance model ensures that they will
have the same effect as a performance standard would. In the high speed
standards, vehicle qualification is expressed strictly as a performance
standard.
4. Exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for such
small entities
There was no practicable way to exclude small entities. Further,
the low volume operations of the largest railroads often serve shippers
which are small entities, and any additional burden on the low volume
lines of large railroads would likely have adverse impacts on those
small shippers.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
In 1996, Congress enacted the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act (SBREFA) which, in part, amended the Regulatory
Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to focus additional
attention on the economic impacts of proposed rules and new final rules
on small entities. The act requires agencies to consult with small
businesses and with the Small Business Administration, which FRA did
prior to publication of this notice.
FRA's outreach to small entities included securing the
participation of several short lines and the ASLRA in workshops held
under the original ANPRM. FRA also benefitted from the advice and
participation of ASLRA and several short line railroads whose
representatives were members of the RSAC and the Track Working Group.
FRA did not quantify the estimated annual cost to the average firm,
nor compare it to average annual revenue or profits, because the
relative impact of the proposed rule varies more by condition of the
track owned by a railroad than by the size of the railroad. Railroads
with better, safer track will face proportionally much smaller effects
from the proposed rule. The average annual total cost is likely to be
less than $2,000,000 per year for the entire railroad industry, with
more than half of the cost borne by large railroads. The average burden
per small railroad is likely therefore to be less than $1,500 per year.
The burden will be greater on railroads with more track, and lower on
railroads with less. FRA welcomes any additional data on this subject.
No provision included in this proposed rule will have a very
adverse impact on the affected firms. A proposal which would have had a
large beneficial impact, the GRMS as an alternative to the crosstie
standard. (See previous discussion in the preamble to this notice.)
Some provisions which at first impression seem to have a significant
impact, such as an increase in the number of required crossties, in
fact will have little impact.
For example, this proposal includes an increase in the number of
crossties required on curved track. In a worst case, about 30 percent
of the Class 1 track of a very small entity might not comply with the
requirement for six ties per 39-foot section of rail. Of this, 80
percent would not comply with geometry standards or standards affecting
effective distribution of ties, which likely would be fixed by adding
enough ties to comply or exceed the proposed standard. The remaining
track, about six percent of all track, would not have sufficient ties
to meet the proposed standard. Some of this track would not meet the
current standard. One tie per section for six percent of the track
would be slightly more than eight ties per mile. At a cost of $40 per
tie installed, this would mean a cost of about $320 per mile, for a
worst case. A railroad with track this poor would have presented a
serious safety hazard in the first place, and would not be
representative. Most small railroads currently exceed the proposed
standard. A more detailed description of the impact is contained in the
complete IRFA, found in the docket for this proceeding.
In several places in this notice, FRA asks for additional
information on benefits and costs. In the Track Working Group, and at
meetings of task groups assigned to work on particular issues, FRA
repeatedly asked participating parties for any data which might support
the recommendations. On occasion, participants shared such data with
FRA, most notably the ASLRA which conducted a survey of its members to
analyze the potential impact of increasing the number of crossties
required in a 39-foot segment of track. At other times, data were not
shared with FRA, and the agency was unable to determine whether the
information was withheld for proprietary reasons or whether it simply
was not available.
While the negotiations at times may have created incentives for
parties not to disclose parametric data, such as how many torch cut
rails are in service (a
[[Page 36161]]
number which the railroads might not be able to generate if they wanted
to), at other times parties were forced to reveal non-parametric data
in the form of preferences. By voting to accept a provision in the
proposal, often as part of a compromise with other interested parties,
the parties' acceptance of a package of compromises revealed that they
preferred the compromise position to a position of no compromise (the
existing rule with the possibility of some other rulemaking activity).
This implied that the burdens which rail management representatives
accepted likely were not significant. Details of provisions that will
have little or no impact may be found in the complete IRFA, found in
the docket for this proceeding.
In general, the Track Working Group did not proffer many
alternatives to the provisions of this proposal. In most cases, members
agreed on the subject matter, but disagreed about the stringency of the
standard. For example, everyone agreed that track ought to be
inspected. However, the group debated about the most effective
inspection intervals, and about how much track one inspector can
inspect. Thus, the alternatives discussed in this context concerned
greater or lesser required inspection frequencies and limitations or
removal of limitations of the amount of track one inspector can
inspect.
One significant alternative discussed by the group at length was
the use of GRMS as an alternative to crosstie standards. (See more
complete discussion of GRMS in other sections of this preamble and in
the IRFA.)
Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection requirements in this proposed rule have
been submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
The sections that contain the new information collection requirements
and the estimated time to fulfill each requirement are as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Respondent Total annual Average time per Total annual annual
CFR section universe responses response burden hours burden
cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
213.4 Excepted Track
Designation of track as 160 railroads... 32 designations. 15 minutes...... 8 hours........ $240
excepted.
Notification to FRA about 160 railroads... 40 notifications 10 minutes...... 7 hours........ 210
removal of excepted
track.
213.5--Responsibility of 620 railroads... 16 notifications 8 hours......... 120 hours...... 3,600
track owners.
213.7 Designation of
qualified persons to
supervise certain renewals
and inspect track
Designations............. 620 railroads... 1,500 names..... 10 minutes...... 250 hours...... 7,500
Notification and N/A............. N/A............. Usual and N/A2........... N/A
dispatched to location. customary
procedure.
213.17 Exemptions............ 620 railroads... 4 petitions..... 24 hours........ 96 hours....... 2,880
213.57 Curves, elevation and
speed limitations
Request to FRA for 620 railroads... 3 requests...... 40 hours........ 120 hours...... 3,600
approval.
Notification to FRA with 620 railroads... 2 notifications. 45 minutes...... 1.5 hours...... 45
written consent of other
affected track owners.
213.119 Continuous welded
rail (CWR), general
Written procedures....... 110 railroads... 110 procedures.. 40 hrs Class I 2,000 hours.... 60,000
RRS 16 hrs.
Class II RRs.
Training Program......... 110 railroads... 110 programs.... 40 hrs Class I 1,200 hours.... 36,000
RRs 8 hrs Class
II RRs.
Recordkeeping............ 110 railroads... 4,500 records... 10 minutes...... 750 hours...... 22,500
213.122 Torch cut rail....... 20 railroads.... 2,000........... 5 minutes....... 167 hours...... 5,010
213.233 Track inspections.... 620 railroads... 2,500 1 minute........ 41.5 hours..... 1,079
inspections.
213.237 Inspection of rail... N/A............. N/A............. Usual and N/A............ N/A
customary
procedure.
[[Page 36162]]
213.241 Inspection records... 620 railroads... Varies.......... Varies.......... 1,763,991 hours 52,919,730
213.303 Responsibility for 2 railroads..... 1 petition...... 8 hours......... 8 hours........ 240
Compliance.
213.305 Designation of 2 railroads..... 150 10 minutes...... 25 hours....... 750
qualified individuals; qualifications.
general qualifications.
213.317--Exemptions.......... 2 railroads..... 1 petition...... 24 hours........ 24 hours....... 720
213.329 Curves, elevation and
speed limitations
FRA approval of qualified 2 railroads..... 1 notification.. 40 hours........ 40 hours....... 1,200
equipment and higher
curving speeds.
Written notification to 2 railroads..... 1 notification.. 45 minutes...... 45 minutes..... 22.50
FRA with written consent
of other affected track
owners.
213.333 Automated Vehicle
Inspection System
Track Geometry 3 railroads..... 18 reports...... 20 hours........ 360 hours...... 9,360
Measurement System.
Track/Vehicle Performance 1 railroad...... 1 program....... 8 hours......... 8 hours........ 240
Measurement System.
Written procedures... 2 railroads..... 13 printouts.... 20 hours........ 260 hours...... 7,800
copies of most recent ................ ................ ................ ............... ..........
exception printouts.
213.339 Inspection of rail N/A............. N/A............. Usual and N/a............ N/A
in service. customary
procedure.
213.341 Initial inspection of
new rail and welds
Mill inspection.......... 2 railroads..... 1 report........ 8 hours......... 8 hours........ 240
Welding plan inspection.. 2 railroads..... 2 reports....... 8 hours......... 16 hours....... 480
Inspection of field wells 2 railroads..... 200 records..... 20 minutes...... 67 hours....... 2,010
Marking of defective rail N/A............. N/A............. Usual and N/A............ N/A
customary
procedure.
213.343 Continuous welded
rail (CWR)
-Written procedures...... 2 railroads..... 2 procedures.... 40 hours........ 80 hours....... 2,400
Training program......... 2 railroads..... 2 programs...... 40 hours........ 80 hours....... 2,400
Recordkeeping............ 2 railroads..... 200 records..... 10 minutes...... 33 hours....... 990
213.345 Vehicle qualification 1 railroad...... 1 report........ 16 hours........ 16 hours....... 480
213.353 Turnouts and 1 railroad...... 1 guidebook..... 40 hours........ 40 hours....... 1,200
crossovers, generally.
213.361 Right of Way......... 1 railroad...... 1 plan.......... 40 hours........ 40 hours....... 1,200
213.369 Inspection Records
Record of inspection..... 2 railroads..... 500 records..... 1 minute........ 8 hours........ 208
Designation of location 2 railroads..... 2 designations.. 15 minutes...... 30 minutes..... 15
where record should be
maintained.
Internal defect 2 railroads..... 50 records...... 5 minutes....... 4 hours........ 104
inspections and remedial
action taken.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 36163]]
All estimates include the time for reviewing instructions;
searching existing data sources; gathering or maintaining the needed
data; and reviewing the information. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C.
Sec. 3506(c)(2)(B), the FRA solicits comments concerning: (1) whether
these information collection requirements are necessary for the proper
performance of the function of FRA, including whether the information
has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the
burden of the information collection requirements; (3) the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4)
whether the burden of collection of information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information technology, may be minimized. For
information or a copy of the paperwork package submitted to OMB,
contact Gloria Swanson at (202)632-3318.
Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the
collection of information requirements should direct them to the Office
of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Federal
Railroad Administration, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Washington, D.C. 20503, and should also send a copy of their comments
to Gloria D. Swanson Eutsler, Federal Railroad Administration, RRS-211,
400 Seventh Street, S.W., Mail Stop 25, Washington, D.C. 20590.
OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of
information requirements contained in this final rule between 30 and 60
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register.
Therefore, a comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect
if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. The final rule will
respond to any OMB or public comments on the information collection
requirements contained in this proposal.
FRA cannot impose a penalty on persons for violating information
collection requirements which do not display a current OMB control
number, if required. FRA intends to obtain current OMB control numbers
for any new information collection requirements resulting from this
rulemaking action prior to the effective date of a final rule. The OMB
control number, when assigned, will be announced by separate notice in
the Federal Register.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 213
Penalties, Railroad safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The Proposed Rule
In consideration of the foregoing, FRA proposes to revise Part 213,
Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 213--TRACK SAFETY STANDARDS
Subpart A--General
Sec.
213.1 Scope of part.
213.2 Preemptive effect.
213.3 Application.
213.4 Excepted track.
213.5 Responsibility of track owners.
213.7 Designation of qualified persons to supervise certain renewals
and inspect track.
213.9 Classes of track: operating speed limits.
213.11 Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions.
213.13 Measuring track not under load.
213.15 Civil penalty.
213.17 Exemptions.
Subpart B--Roadbed
213.31 Scope.
213.33 Drainage.
213.37 Vegetation.
Subpart C--Track Geometry
213.51 Scope.
213.53 Gage.
213.55 Alignment.
213.57 Curves; elevation and speed limitations.
213.59 Elevation of curved track; runoff.
213.63 Track surface.
Subpart D--Track Structure
213.101 Scope.
213.103 Ballast; general.
213.109 Crossties.
213.113 Defective rails.
213.115 Rail end mismatch.
213.119 Continuous welded rail (CWR); general.
213.121 Rail joints.
213.122 Torch cut rail.
213.123 Tie plates.
213.127 Rail fastening systems.
213.133 Turnouts and track crossings generally.
213.135 Switches.
213.137 Frogs.
213.139 Spring rail frogs.
213.141 Self-guarded frogs.
213.143 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage.
Subpart E--Track Appliances and Track-Related Devices
213.201 Scope.
213.205 Derails.
Subpart F--Inspection
213.231 Scope.
213.233 Track inspections.
213.235 Switch and track crossing inspections.
213.237 Inspection of rail.
213.239 Special inspections.
213.241 Inspection records.
Subpart G--Train Operations at Track Classes 6 and Higher
213.301 Scope of subpart.
213.303 Responsibility for compliance.
213.305 Designation of qualified individuals; general
qualifications.
213.307 Class of track; operating speed limits.
213.309 Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions.
213.311 Measuring track not under load.
213.317 Exemptions.
213.319 Drainage.
213.321 Vegetation.
213.323 Track gage.
213.327 Alignment.
213.329 Curves, elevation and speed limitations.
[[Page 36164]]
213.331 Track surface.
213.333 Automated vehicle inspection systems.
213.335 Crossties.
213.337 Defective rails.
213.339 Inspection of rail in service.
213.341 Initial inspection of new rail and welds.
213.343 Continuous welded rail (CWR).
213.345 Vehicle qualification testing.
213.347 Automotive or railroad crossings at grade.
213.349 Rail end mismatch.
213.351 Rail joints.
213.352 Torch cut rail.
213.353 Turnouts and crossovers, generally.
213.355 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage.
213.357 Derails.
213.359 Track stiffness.
213.361 Right of way.
213.365 Visual inspections.
213.367 Special inspections.
213.369 Inspection records.
Appendix A to Part 213--Maximum Allowable Curving Speeds
Appendix B to Part 213--Schedule of Civil Penalties
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103 and 20142; 49 CFR 1.49(m).
Subpart A--General
Sec. 213.1 Scope of part.
This part prescribes minimum safety requirements for railroad track
that is part of the general railroad system of transportation. The
requirements prescribed in this part apply to specific track conditions
existing in isolation. Therefore, a combination of track conditions,
none of which individually amounts to a deviation from the requirements
in this part, may require remedial action to provide for safe
operations over that track.
Sec. 213.2 Preemptive effect.
Under 49 U.S.C. 20106 (formerly Sec. 205 of the Federal Railroad
Safety Act of 1970, 45 U.S.C. 434), issuance of these regulations
preempts any State law, rule, regulation, order, or standard covering
the same subject matter, except a provision directed at an essentially
local safety hazard that is consistent with this part and that does not
impose an undue burden on interstate commerce.
Sec. 213.3 Application.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part
applies to all standard gage track in the general railroad system of
transportation.
(b) This part does not apply to track----
(1) Located inside an installation which is not part of the general
railroad system of transportation; or
(2) Used exclusively for rapid transit service in a metropolitan or
suburban area.
Sec. 213.4 Excepted track.
A track owner may designate a segment of track as excepted track
provided that----
(a) The segment is identified in the timetable, special
instructions, general order, or other appropriate records which are
available for inspection during regular business hours;
(b) The identified segment is not located within 30 feet of an
adjacent track which can be subjected to simultaneous use at speeds in
excess of 10 miles per hour;
(c) The identified segment is inspected in accordance with
Secs. 213.233(c) and 213.235 at the frequency specified for Class 1
track;
(d) The identified segment of track is not located on a bridge
including the track approaching the bridge for 100 feet on either side,
or located on a public street or highway, if railroad cars containing
commodities required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials
Regulations (49 CFR Part 172), are moved over the track; and
(e) The railroad conducts operations on the identified segment
under the following conditions:
(1) No train shall be operated at speeds in excess of 10 miles per
hour;
(2) No occupied passenger train shall be operated;
(3) No freight train shall be operated that contains more than five
cars required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations
(49 CFR Part 172); and
(4) The gage on excepted track must not be more than 4' 10\1/4\
inches. (This paragraph (e)(4) is effective [1 year after effective
date of final rule].)
(f) A track owner must advise the appropriate FRA Regional Office
at least 10 days prior to removal of a segment of track from excepted
status.
Sec. 213.5 Responsibility of track owners.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any owner
of track to which this part applies who knows or has notice that the
track does not comply with the requirements of this part, shall--
(1) Bring the track into compliance;
(2) Halt operations over that track; or
(3) Operate under authority of a person designated under
Sec. 213.7(a), who has at least one year of supervisory experience in
railroad track maintenance, subject to conditions set forth in this
part.
(b) If an owner of track to which this part applies designates a
segment of track as ``excepted track'' under the provisions of
Sec. 213.4, operations may continue over that track without complying
with the provisions of subparts B, C, D, and E, unless otherwise
expressly stated.
(c) If an owner of track to which this part applies assigns
responsibility for the track to another person (by lease or otherwise),
written notification of the assignment must be provided to the
appropriate FRA Regional Office at least 30 days in advance of the
assignment. The notification may be made by any party to that
assignment, but must be in writing and include the following--
(1) The name and address of the track owner;
(2) The name and address of the person to whom responsibility is
assigned (assignee);
(3) A statement of the exact relationship between the track owner
and the assignee;
(4) A precise identification of the track;
(5) A statement as to the competence and ability of the assignee to
carry out the duties of the track owner under this part; and
(6) A statement signed by the assignee acknowledging the assignment
to him of responsibility for purposes of compliance with this part.
(d) The Administrator may hold the track owner or the assignee or
both responsible for compliance with this part and subject to penalties
under Sec. 213.15.
(e) A common carrier by railroad which is directed by the Surface
Transportation Board to provide service over the track of another
railroad under 49 U.S.C. 11125 is considered the owner of that track
for the purposes of the application of this part during the period the
directed service order remains in effect.
Sec. 213.7 Designation of qualified persons to supervise certain
renewals and inspect track.
(a) Each track owner to which this part applies shall designate
qualified persons to supervise restorations and renewals of track under
traffic conditions. Each person designated must have--
(1) At least--
(i) 1 year of supervisory experience in railroad track maintenance;
or
(ii) A combination of supervisory experience in track maintenance
and training from a course in track maintenance or from a college level
educational program related to track maintenance;
(2) Demonstrated to the owner that he--
(i) Knows and understands the requirements of this part;
(ii) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and
[[Page 36165]]
(iii) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or
safely compensate for those deviations; and
(3) Written authorization from the track owner to prescribe
remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from
the requirements in this part.
(b) Each track owner to which this part applies shall designate
qualified persons to inspect track for defects. Each person designated
must have --
(1) At least--
(i) 1 year of experience in railroad track inspection; or
(ii) A combination of experience in track inspection and training
from a course in track inspection or from a college level educational
program related to track inspection;
(2) Demonstrated to the owner that he--
(i) Knows and understands the requirements of this part;
(ii) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and
(iii) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or
safely compensate for those deviations; and
(3) Written authorization from the track owner to prescribe
remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from
the requirements of this part, pending review by a qualified person
designated under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) With respect to designations under paragraphs (a) and (b) of
this section, each track owner must maintain written records of--
(1) Each designation in effect;
(2) The basis for each designation; and
(3) Track inspections made by each designated qualified person as
required by Sec. 213.241. These records must be kept available for
inspection or copying by the Federal Railroad Administration during
regular business hours.
(d) Persons not fully qualified to supervise certain renewals and
inspect track as outlined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section,
but with at least one year of maintenance-of-way or signal experience,
may be qualified by the track owner to pass trains over broken rails
and pull aparts provided that--
(1) The person is trained, examined, and re-examined periodically
not to exceed two years, on the following topics as they relate to the
safe passage of trains over broken rails or pull aparts--
(i) Rail defect identification, tie condition, track surface and
alignment, gage restraint, rail end mismatch, joint bars, and maximum
distance between rail ends over which trains may be allowed to pass;
(ii) The purpose of the examination will be to ascertain the
persons ability to effectively apply these requirements and will not be
used as a disqualifier; and
(iii) A minimum of four hours will be deemed adequate for initial
training.
(2) The person deems it safe and train speeds are limited to a
maximum of 10 mph over the broken rail or pull apart;
(3) The person must watch all movements over the broken rail or
pull apart and be prepared to stop the train if necessary; and
(4) Person(s) fully qualified under Sec. 213.7 of this part are
notified and dispatched to the location promptly for the purpose of
authorizing movements and effecting temporary or permanent repairs.
Sec. 213.9 Classes of track: operating speed limits.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section
and Secs. 213.57(b), 213.59(a), 213.113(a), and 213.137 (b) and (c),
the following maximum allowable operating speeds apply--
Maximum Allowable Operating Speeds
[In miles per hour]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For
Over track that meets all of the requirements For freight passenger
prescribed in this part for trains trains
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track................................. 10 15
Class 2 track................................. 25 30
Class 3 track................................. 40 60
Class 4 track................................. 60 80
Class 5 track................................. 80 90
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) If a segment of track does not meet all of the requirements for
its intended class, it is reclassified to the next lowest class of
track for which it does meet all of the requirements of this part.
However, if the segment of track does not at least meet the
requirements for Class 1 track, operations may continue at Class 1
speeds for a period of not more than 30 days without bringing the track
into compliance, under the authority of a person designated under
Sec. 213.7(a), who has at least one year of supervisory experience in
railroad track maintenance, after that person determines that
operations may safely continue and subject to any limiting conditions
specified by such person.
Sec. 213.11 Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions.
If during a period of restoration or renewal, track is under
traffic conditions and does not meet all of the requirements prescribed
in this part, the work on the track must be under the continuous
supervision of a person designated under Sec. 213.7(a) who has at least
one year of supervisory experience in railroad track maintenance, and
subject to any limiting conditions specified by such person. The term
``continuous supervision'' as used in this section means the physical
presence of that person at a job site. However, since the work may be
performed over a large area, it is not necessary that each phase of the
work be done under the visual supervision of that person.
Sec. 213.13 Measuring track not under load.
When unloaded track is measured to determine compliance with
requirements of this part, the amount of rail movement, if any, that
occurs while the track is loaded must be added to the measurements of
the unloaded track.
Sec. 213.15 Civil penalty.
Any person including a railroad, any manager, supervisor, official,
or other employee or agent of a railroad, any owner of track on which a
railroad operates, or any person held by the Federal Railroad
Administrator to be responsible under Sec. 213.5(d) who violates any
requirement of this part or causes the violation of any such
requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least $250 and not more
than $10,000 per violation, except that: Penalties may be assessed
against
[[Page 36166]]
individuals only for willful violations, and, where a grossly negligent
violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent
hazard of death or injury to persons, or has caused death or injury, a
penalty not to exceed $20,000 per violation may be assessed. Each day a
violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. See appendix B
to this part for a statement of agency civil penalty policy.
Sec. 213.17 Exemptions.
(a) Any owner of track to which this part applies may petition the
Federal Railroad Administrator for exemption from any or all
requirements prescribed in this part.
(b) Each petition for exemption under this section must be filed in
the manner and contain the information required by Secs. 211.7 and
211.9 of this chapter.
(c) If the Administrator finds that an exemption is in the public
interest and is consistent with railroad safety, the Administrator may
grant the exemption subject to any conditions the Administrator deems
necessary. Notice of each exemption granted is published in the Federal
Register together with a statement of the reasons therefore.
Subpart B--Roadbed
Sec. 213.31 Scope.
This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for roadbed and areas
immediately adjacent to roadbed.
Sec. 213.33 Drainage.
Each drainage or other water carrying facility under or immediately
adjacent to the roadbed must be maintained and kept free of
obstruction, to accommodate expected water flow for the area concerned.
Sec. 213.37 Vegetation.
Vegetation on railroad property which is on or immediately adjacent
to roadbed must be controlled so that it does not--
(a) Become a fire hazard to track-carrying structures;
(b) Obstruct visibility of railroad signs and signals:
(1) Along the right-of-way, and
(2) At highway-rail crossings; (Paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) are
effective Date [1 year after effective date of rule].)
(c) Interfere with railroad employees performing normal trackside
duties;
(d) Prevent proper functioning of signal and communication lines;
or
(e) Prevent railroad employees from visually inspecting moving
equipment from their normal duty stations.
Subpart C--Track Geometry
Sec. 213.51 Scope.
This subpart prescribes requirements for the gage, alignment, and
surface of track, and the elevation of outer rails and speed
limitations for curved track.
Sec. 213.53 Gage.
(a) Gage is measured between the heads of the rails at right-angles
to the rails in a plane five-eighths of an inch below the top of the
rail head.
(b) Gage must be within the limits prescribed in the following
table--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The gage
Class of track must be at But not
least more than
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track................................. 4' 8'' 4' 10''
Class 2 and 3 track........................... 4' 8'' 4' 9\3/4\''
Class 4 and 5 track........................... 14' 8'' 4' 9\1/2\''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.55 Alignment.
Alignment may not deviate from uniformity more than the amount
prescribed in the following table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tangent track Curved track
--------------------------------------------------------
The deviation of The deviation of The deviation of
the mid-offset the mid-ordinate the mid-ordinate
Class of track from a 62-foot from a 31-foot from a 62-foot
line \1\ may not chord \2\ may not chord \2\ may not
be more than be more than be more than
(inches) (inches) (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track.......................................... 5 (\3\) 5
Class 2 track.......................................... 3 (\3\) 3
Class 3 track.......................................... 1\3/4\ 1\1/4\ 1\3/4\
Class 4 track.......................................... 1\1/2\ 1 1\1/2\
Class 5 track.......................................... \3/4\ \1/2\ \5/8\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The ends of the line must be at points on the gage side of the line rail, five-eighths of an inch below the
top of the railhead. Either rail may be used as the line rail, however, the same rail must be used for the
full length of that tangential segment of track.
\2\ The ends of the chord must be at points on the gage side of the outer rail, five-eighths of an inch below
the top of the railhead.
\3\ N/A--Not Applicable.
Sec. 213.57 Curves; elevation and speed limitations.
(a) The maximum crosslevel on the outside rail of a curve may not
be more than 8 inches on track Classes 1 and 2 and 7 inches on Classes
3 through 5. Except as provided in Sec. 213.63, the outside rail of a
curve may not be lower than the inside rail. (The first sentence of
paragraph (a) is effective [Date 1 yr. after effective date of final
rule].)
(b) The maximum allowable operating speed for each curve is
determined by the following formula--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.016
where--
Vmax=Maximum allowable operating speed (miles per hour).
Ea=Actual elevation of the outside rail (inches).\1\
D=Degree of curvature (degrees).\2\
Table 1 of Appendix A is a table of maximum allowable operating speed
computed in accordance with this
[[Page 36167]]
formula for various elevations and degrees of curvature.
(c) For rolling stock meeting the requirements specified in
paragraph (d) of this section, the maximum operating speed for each
curve may be determined by the following formula--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.017
where--
Vmax=Maximum allowable operating speed (miles per hour).
Ea=Actual elevation of the outside rail (inches).\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Actual elevation for each 155 foot track segment in the body
of the curve is determined by averaging the elevation for 10 points
through the segment at 15.5 foot spacing. If the curve length is
less than 155 feet, average the points through the full length of
the body of the curve.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
D=Degree of curvature (degrees).\2\
\2\ Degree of curvature is determined by averaging the degree of
curvature over the same track segment as the elevation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2 of Appendix A is a table of maximum allowable operating speed
computed in accordance with this formula for various elevations and
degrees of curvature.
(d) Qualified equipment may be operated at curving speeds
determined by the formula in paragraph (c) of this section, provided
each specific class of equipment is approved for operation by the
Federal Railroad Administration and demonstrate that--
(1) When positioned on a track with a uniform 4 inch
superelevation, the roll angle between the floor of the equipment and
the horizontal does not exceed 5.7 degrees; and
(2) When positioned on a track with a uniform 6 inch
superelevation, no wheel of the equipment unloads to a value of 60
percent of its static value on perfectly level track, and the roll
angle between the floor of the equipment and the horizontal does not
exceed 8.6 degrees.
(3) The track owner must notify the Federal Railroad Administrator
no less than 30 calendar days prior to the proposed implementation of
the higher curving speeds allowed under the formula in paragraph (c) of
this section. The notification must be in writing and shall contain, at
a minimum, the following information--
(i) A complete description of the class of equipment involved,
including schematic diagrams of the suspension systems and the location
of the center of gravity above top of rail;
(ii) A complete description of the test procedure \3\ and
instrumentation used to qualify the equipment and the maximum values
for wheel unloading and roll angles which were observed during testing;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ The test procedure may be conducted in a test facility
whereby all the wheels on one side (right or left) of the equipment
are alternately raised and lowered by 4 and 6 inches and the
vertical wheel loads under each wheel are measured and a level is
used to record the angle through which the floor of the equipment
has been rotated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iii) Procedures or standards in effect which relate to the
maintenance of the suspension system for the particular class of
equipment; and
(iv) Identification of line segment on which the higher curving
speeds are proposed to be implemented.
(e) In the case of a track owner, or an operator of a passenger or
commuter service, who provides passenger or commuter service over
trackage of more than one track owner with the same class of equipment,
that person may provide written notification to the Federal Railroad
Administrator with the written consent of the other affected track
owners.
(f) Equipment presently operating at curving speeds allowed under
the formula in paragraph (c) of this section, by reason of conditional
waivers granted by the Federal Railroad Administration, shall be
considered to have successfully complied with the requirements of
paragraph (d) of this section.
Sec. 213.59 Elevation of curved track; runoff.
(a) If a curve is elevated, the full elevation must be provided
throughout the curve, unless physical conditions do not permit. If
elevation runoff occurs in a curve, the actual minimum elevation must
be used in computing the maximum allowable operating speed for that
curve under Sec. 213.57(b).
(b) Elevation runoff must be at a uniform rate, within the limits
of track surface deviation prescribed in Sec. 213.63, and it must
extend at least the full length of the spirals. If physical conditions
do not permit a spiral long enough to accommodate the minimum length of
runoff, part of the runoff may be on tangent track.
Sec. 213.63 Track surface.
Each owner of the track to which this part applies shall maintain
the surface of its track within the limits prescribed in the following
table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of track
------------------------------------------------------
Track surface 1 2 3 4 5
(inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The runoff in any 31 feet of rail at the end of a raise
may not be more than.................................... 3\1/2\ 3 2 1\1/2\ 1
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
mid-ordinate of a 62-foot chord may not be more than.... 3 2\3/4\ 2\1/4\ 2 1\1/4\
The deviation from zero crosslevel at any point on
tangent or reverse crosslevel elevation on curves may
not be more than........................................ 3 2 1\3/4\ 1\1/4\ 1
The difference in crosslevel between any two points less
than 62 feet apart may not be more than*1 2............. 3 2\1/2\ 2 1\3/4\ 1\1/2\
*Where determined by engineering decision prior to the
promulgation of this rule, due to physical restrictions
on spiral length and operating practices and experience,
the variation in crosslevel on spirals per 31 feet may
not be more than........................................ 2 1\3/4\ 1\1/4\ 1 \3/4\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Except as limited by Sec. 213.57(a), where the elevation at any point in a curve equals or exceeds 6
inches, the difference in crosslevel within 62 feet between that point and a point with greater elevation may
not be more than 1\1/2\ inches. (Footnote 1 is effective [date 1 year after effective date of this final
rule].)
\2\ However, to control harmonics on Class 2 through 5 jointed track with staggered joints, the crosslevel
differences shall not exceed 1\1/4\ inches in all of six consecutive pairs of joints, as created by 7 low
joints. Track with joints staggered less than 10 feet shall not be considered as having staggered joints.
Joints within the 7 low joints outside of the regular joint spacing shall not be considered as joints for
purposes of this footnote. (Footnote 2 is effective [date 1 year after effective date of this rule].)
[[Page 36168]]
Subpart D--Track Structure
Sec. 213.101 Scope.
This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for ballast,
crossties, track assembly fittings, and the physical conditions of
rails.
Sec. 213.103 Ballast; general.
Unless it is otherwise structurally supported, all track must 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 alignment.
Sec. 213.109 Crossties.
(a) Crossties shall be made of a material to which rail can be
securely fastened.
(b) Each 39 foot segment of track shall have--
(1) A sufficient number of crossties which in combination provide
effective support that will--
(i) Hold gage within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.53(b);
(ii) Maintain surface within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.63;
and
(iii) Maintain alignment within the limits prescribed in
Sec. 213.55.
(2) The minimum number and type of crossties specified in paragraph
(c) of this section effectively distributed to support the entire
segment; and
(3) At least one crosstie of the type specified in paragraph (c) of
this section that is located at a joint location as specified in
paragraph (d) of this section.
(c) Each 39 foot segment of track shall have the minimum number and
type of crossties as indicated in the following table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turnouts
Tangent track and and curved
Class of track curves2 track over
degrees 2 degrees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track.......................... 5 6
Class 2 track.......................... 8 9
Class 3 track.......................... 8 10
Class 4 and 5 track.................... 12 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crossties required shall be of the type which are not --
(1) Broken through;
(2) Split or otherwise impaired to the extent the crossties will
allow the ballast to work through, or will not hold spikes or rail
fasteners;
(3) So deteriorated that the tie plate or base of rail can move
laterally \1/2\ inch relative to the crossties; or
(4) Cut by the tie plate through more than 40 percent of a ties'
thickness.
(d) Class 1 and Class 2 track shall have one crosstie whose
centerline is within 24 inches of the rail joint location, and Classes
3 through 5 track shall have one crosstie whose centerline is within 18
inches of the rail joint location or, two crossties whose centerlines
are within 24 inches either side of the rail joint location. The
relative position of these ties is described in the following diagrams.
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
[[Page 36169]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.011
BILLING CODE 4910-06-C
[[Page 36170]]
(e) For track constructed without crossties, such as slab track,
track connected directly to bridge structural components and track over
servicing pits, the track structure must meet the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii).
Sec. 213.113 Defective rails.
(a) When an owner of track to which this part applies learns,
through inspection or otherwise, that a rail in that track contains any
of the defects listed in the following table, a person designated under
Sec. 213.7 shall determine whether or not the track may continue in
use. If he determines that the track may continue in use, operation
over the defective rail is not permitted until--
(1) The rail is replaced; or
(2) The remedial action prescribed in the table is initiated --
Remedial Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length of defect (inch) Percent of rail head
------------------------------------- cross-sectional area If defective rail
weakened by defect is not replaced,
Defect But not -------------------------- take the remedial
More than more than But not action prescribed
Less than less than in note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transverse fissure............ ...................... ........... 70 5 B.
...................... ........... 100 70 A2.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A.
Compound fissure.............. ...................... ........... 70 5 B.
...................... ........... 100 70 A2.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A.
Detail fracture............... ...................... ........... 25 5 C.
Engine burn fracture.......... ...................... ........... 80 25 D.
Defective weld 25............. ...................... ........... 100 80 A2 or E and H.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A or E and H.
Horizontal split head......... 1..................... 2 ........... ........... H and F.
Vertical split head........... 2..................... 4 ........... ........... I and G.
Split web..................... 4..................... ........... ........... ........... B.
Piped rail.................... (\1\)................. (\1\) (\1\) ........... A.
Head web separation........... ...................... ........... ........... ........... .................
Bolt hole crack............... \1/2\................. 1 ........... ........... H and F.
1..................... 1\1/2\ ........... ........... H and G.
1\1/2\................ ........... ........... ........... B.
(\1\)................. (\1\) (\1\) ........... A.
Broken base................... 1..................... 6 ........... ........... D.
6..................... ........... ........... ........... A or E and I.
Ordinary break................ ...................... ........... ........... ........... A or E.
Damaged rail.................. ...................... ........... ........... ........... D.
Flattened rail................ Depth \3/8\ ........... ........... ........... H.
and.
Length 8...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(\1\) Break out in rail head.
Notes--
A. Assign person designated under Sec. 213.7 to visually
supervise each operation over defective rail.
A2. Assign person designated under Sec. 213.7 to make visual
inspection. After a visual inspection, that person may authorize
operation to continue without continuous visual supervision at a
maximum of 10 mph for up to 24 hours prior to another such visual
inspection or replacement or repair of the rail.
B. Limit operating speed over defective rail to that as
authorized by a person designated under Sec. 213.7(a), who has at
least one year of supervisory experience in railroad track
maintenance. The operating speed cannot be over 30 mph or the
maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower.
C. Apply joint bars bolted only through the outermost holes to
defect within 20 days after it is determined to continue the track
in use. In the case of Classes 3 through 5 track, limit operating
speed over defective rail to 30 mph until angle bars are applied;
thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph or the maximum allowable speed
under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track concerned, whichever is
lower. When a search for internal rail defects is conducted under
Sec. 213.237, and defects are discovered in Classes 3 through 5
which require remedial action C, the operating speed shall be
limited to 50 mph, or the maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9
for the class of track concerned, whichever is lower, for a period
not to exceed 4 days. If the defective rail has not been removed
from the track or a permanent repair made within 4 days of the
discovery, limit operating speed over the defective rail to 30 mph
until joint bars are applied; thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph or
the maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower.
D. Apply joint bars bolted only through the outermost holes to
defect within 10 days after it is determined to continue the track
in use. In the case of Classes 3 through 5 track, limit operating
speed over the defective rail to 30 mph or less as authorized by a
person designated under Sec. 213.7(a), who has at least one year of
supervisory experience in railroad track maintenance, until angle
bars are applied; thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph or the maximum
allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track concerned,
whichever is lower.
E. Apply joint bars to defect and bolt in accordance with
Sec. 213.121 (d) and (e).
F. Inspect rail 90 days after it is determined to continue the
track in use.
G. Inspect rail 30 days after it is determined to continue the
track in use.
H. Limit operating speed over defective rail to 50 mph or the
maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower.
I. Limit operating speed over defective rail to 30 mph or the
maximum allowable speed under Sec. 213.9 for the class of track
concerned, whichever is lower.
(b) As used in this section--
(1) Transverse Fissure means a progressive crosswise fracture
starting from a crystalline center or nucleus inside the head from
which it spreads outward as a smooth, bright, or dark, round or oval
surface substantially at a right angle to the length of the rail. The
distinguishing features of a transverse fissure from other types of
fractures or defects are the crystalline center or
[[Page 36171]]
nucleus and the nearly smooth surface of the development which
surrounds it.
(2) Compound Fissure means a progressive fracture originating in a
horizontal split head which turns up or down in the head of the rail as
a smooth, bright, or dark surface progressing until substantially at a
right angle to the length of the rail. Compound fissures require
examination of both faces of the fracture to locate the horizontal
split head from which they originate.
(3) Horizontal Split Head means a horizontal progressive defect
originating inside of the rail head, usually one-quarter inch or more
below the running surface and progressing horizontally in all
directions, and generally accompanied by a flat spot on the running
surface. The defect appears as a crack lengthwise of the rail when it
reaches the side of the rail head.
(4) Vertical Split Head means a vertical split through or near the
middle of the head, and extending into or through it. A crack or rust
streak may show under the head close to the web or pieces may be split
off the side of the head.
(5) Split Web means a lengthwise crack along the side of the web
and extending into or through it.
(6) Piped Rail means a vertical split in a rail, usually in the
web, due to failure of the shrinkage cavity in the ingot to unite in
rolling.
(7) Broken Base means any break in the base of the rail.
(8) Detail Fracture means a progressive fracture originating at or
near the surface of the rail head. These fractures should not be
confused with transverse fissures, compound fissures, or other defects
which have internal origins. Detail fractures may arise from shelly
spots, head checks, or flaking.
(9) Engine Burn Fracture means a progressive fracture originating
in spots where driving wheels have slipped on top of the rail head. In
developing downward they frequently resemble the compound or even
transverse fissures with which they should not be confused or
classified.
(10) Ordinary Break means a partial or complete break in which
there is no sign of a fissure, and in which none of the other defects
described in this paragraph (b) are found.
(11) Damaged Rail means any rail broken or injured by wrecks,
broken, flat, or unbalanced wheels, slipping, or similar causes.
(12) Flattened Rail means a short length of rail, not at a joint,
which has flattened out across the width of the rail head to a depth of
`` inch or more below the rest of the rail. Flattened rail occurrences
have no repetitive regularity and thus do not include corrugations, and
have no apparent localized cause such as a weld or engine burn. Their
individual length is relatively short, as compared to a condition such
as head flow on the low rail of curves.
Sec. 213.115 Rail end mismatch.
Any mismatch of rails at joints may not be more than that
prescribed by the following table--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any mismatch of rails at joints may
not be more than the following--
-------------------------------------
Class of track On the tread of On the gage side
the rail ends of the rail ends
(inch) (inch)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track..................... \1/4\ \1/4\
Class 2 track..................... \1/4\ \3/16\
Class 3 track..................... \3/16\ \3/16\
Class 4 and 5 track............... \1/8\ \1/8\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.119 Continuous welded rail (CWR); general.
Each track owner with track constructed of CWR shall have in effect
written procedures which address the installation, adjustment,
maintenance and inspection of CWR, and a training program for the
application of those procedures, which shall be submitted to the
Federal Railroad Administration within six months following the
effective date of the final rule. FRA shall review each plan for
compliance with the following--
(a) Procedures for the installation and adjustment of CWR which
include--
(1) Designation of a desired rail installation temperature range
for the geographic area in which the CWR is located; and
(2) Destressing procedures/methods which address proper attainment
of the desired rail installation temperature range when adjusting CWR.
(b) Rail anchoring or fastening requirements that will provide
sufficient restraint to limit longitudinal rail and crosstie movement
to the extent practical, and specifically addressing CWR rail anchoring
or fastening patterns on bridges, bridge approaches, and at other
locations where possible longitudinal rail and crosstie movement
associated with normally expected train-induced forces, is restricted.
(c) Procedures which specifically address maintaining a desired
rail installation temperature range when cutting CWR including rail
repairs, in-track welding, and in conjunction with adjustments made in
the area of tight track, a track buckle, or a pull-apart. Rail repair
practices must take into consideration existing rail temperature so
that--
(1) When rail is removed, the length installed shall be determined
by taking into consideration the existing rail temperature and the
desired rail installation temperature range; and
(2) Under no circumstances should rail be added when the rail
temperature is below that designated by paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, without provisions for later adjustment.
(d) Procedures which address the monitoring of CWR in curved track
for inward shifts of alignment toward the center of the curve as a
result of disturbed track.
(e) Procedures which control train speed on CWR track when--
(1) Maintenance work, track rehabilitation, track construction, or
any other event occurs which disturbs the roadbed or ballast section
and reduces the lateral and/or longitudinal resistance of the track;
and
(2) In formulating the procedures under this paragraph (e), the
track owner must--
(i) Determine the speed required, and the duration and subsequent
removal of any speed restriction based on the restoration of the
ballast, along with sufficient ballast re-consolidation to stabilize
the track to a level that can accommodate expected train-induced
forces. Ballast re-consolidation can be achieved through either the
passage of train tonnage or mechanical stabilization procedures, or
both; and
(ii) Take into consideration the type of crossties used.
(f) Procedures which prescribe when physical track inspections are
to be performed to detect buckling prone
[[Page 36172]]
conditions in CWR track. At a minimum, these procedures shall address
inspecting track to identify--
(1) Locations where tight or kinky rail conditions are likely to
occur;
(2) Locations where track work of the nature described in paragraph
(e)(1) of this section have recently been performed; and
(3) In formulating the procedures under this paragraph (f), the
track owner shall--
(i) Specify the timing of the inspection; and
(ii) Specify the appropriate remedial actions to be taken when
buckling prone conditions are found.
(g) The track owner shall have in effect a comprehensive training
program for the application of these written CWR procedures, with
provisions for periodic re-training, for those individuals designated
under Sec. 213.7 of this part as qualified to supervise the
installation, adjustment, and maintenance of CWR track and to perform
inspections of CWR track.
(h) The track owner shall prescribe recordkeeping requirements
necessary to provide an adequate history of track constructed with CWR.
At a minimum, these records must include:
(1) Rail temperature, location and date of CWR installations. This
record shall be retained for at least one year; and
(2) A record of any CWR installation or maintenance work that does
not conform with the written procedures. Such record must include the
location of the rail and be maintained until the CWR is brought into
conformance with such procedures.
(i) As used in this section--
(1) Adjusting/Destressing means the procedure by which a rail's
temperature is re-adjusted to the desired value. It typically consists
of cutting the rail and removing rail anchoring devices, which provides
for the necessary expansion and contraction, and then re-assembling the
track.
(2) Buckling Incident means the formation of a lateral mis-
alignment sufficient in magnitude to constitute a deviation from the
Class 1 requirements specified in Sec. 213.55 of this part. These
normally occur when rail temperatures are relatively high and are
caused by high longitudinal compressive forces.
(3) Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) means rail that has been welded
together into lengths exceeding 400 feet.
(4) Desired Rail Installation Temperature Range means the rail
temperature range, within a specific geographical area, at which forces
in CWR should not cause a track buckle in extreme heat, or a pull-apart
during extreme cold weather.
(5) Disturbed Track means the disturbance of the roadbed or ballast
section, as a result of track maintenance or any other event, which
reduces the lateral and/or longitudinal resistance of the track.
(6) Mechanical Stabilization means a type of procedure used to
restore track resistance to disturbed track following certain
maintenance operations. This procedure may incorporate dynamic track
stabilizers or ballast consolidators, which are units of work equipment
that are used as a substitute for the stabilization action provided by
the passage of tonnage trains.
(7) Rail Anchors means those devices which are attached to the rail
and bear against the side of the crosstie to control longitudinal rail
movement. Certain types of rail fasteners also act as rail anchors and
control longitudinal rail movement by exerting a downward clamping
force on the upper surface of the rail base.
(8) Rail Temperature means the temperature of the rail, measured
with a rail thermometer.
(9) Tight/Kinky Rail means CWR which exhibits minute alignment
irregularities which indicate that the rail is in a considerable amount
of compression.
(10) Train-induced Forces means the vertical, longitudinal, and
lateral dynamic forces which are generated during train movement and
which can contribute to the buckling potential.
(11) Track Lateral Resistance means the resistance provided to the
rail/crosstie structure against lateral displacement.
(12) Track Longitudinal Resistance means the resistance provided by
the rail anchors/rail fasteners and the ballast section to the rail/
crosstie structure against longitudinal displacement.
Sec. 213.121 Rail joints.
(a) Each rail joint, insulated joint, and compromise joint must be
of a structurally sound design and dimensions for the rail on which it
is applied.
(b) If a joint bar on Classes 3 through 5 track is cracked, broken,
or because of wear allows excessive vertical movement of either rail
when all bolts are tight, it must be replaced.
(c) If a joint bar is cracked or broken between the middle two bolt
holes it must be replaced.
(d) In the case of conventional jointed track, each rail must be
bolted with at least two bolts at each joint in Classes 2 through 5
track, and with at least one bolt in Class 1 track.
(e) In the case of continuous welded rail track, each rail must be
bolted with at least two bolts at each joint.
(f) Each joint bar must be held in position by track bolts
tightened to allow the joint bar to firmly support the abutting rail
ends and to allow longitudinal movement of the rail in the joint to
accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature variations.
When no-slip, joint-to-rail contact exists by design, the requirements
of this paragraph do not apply. Those locations when over 400 feet in
length, are considered to be continuous welded rail track and must meet
all the requirements for continuous welded rail track prescribed in
this part.
(g) No rail shall have a bolt hole which is torch cut or burned in
Classes 2 through 5 track. (This paragraph (g) is effective [1 year
after effective date of final rule].)
(h) No joint bar shall be reconfigured by torch cutting in Classes
3 through 5 track. (This paragraph (h) is effective [1 year after
effective date of final rule].)
Sec. 213.122 Torch cut rail.
(a) Except as a temporary repair in emergency situations no rail
having a torch cut end shall be used in Classes 3 through 5 track. When
a rail end is torch cut in emergency situations, speed over that rail
end must not exceed the maximum allowable for Class 2 track. For
existing torch cut rail ends in Classes 3 through 5 track the following
shall apply--
(1) Within one year of [the effective date of the final rule], all
torch cut rail ends in Class 5 track must be removed;
(2) Within two years of [the effective date of the final rule], all
torch cut rail ends in Class 4 track must be removed; and
(3) Within one year of [the effective date of the final rule], all
torch cut rail ends in Class 3 track over which regularly scheduled
passenger trains operate, must be inventoried by the track owner.
(b) Following the expiration of the time limits specified in
(a)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, any torch cut rail end not
removed from Classes 4 and 5 track, or any torch cut rail end not
inventoried in Class 3 track over which regularly scheduled passenger
trains operate, must be removed within 30 days of discovery. Speed over
that rail end must not exceed the maximum allowable for Class 2 track
until removed.
Sec. 213.123 Tie plates.
(a) In Classes 3 through 5 track where timber crossties are in use
there must be
[[Page 36173]]
tie plates under the running rails on at least eight of any 10
consecutive ties.
(b) In Classes 3 through 5 track no metal object which causes a
concentrated load by solely supporting a rail shall be allowed between
the base of the rail and the bearing surface of the tie plate. (This
paragraph (b) is effective 1 year after effective date of final rule].)
Sec. 213.127 Rail fastening systems.
Track shall be fastened by a system of components which effectively
maintains gage within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.53(b).
Sec. 213.133 Turnouts and track crossings generally.
(a) In turnouts and track crossings, the fastenings must be intact
and maintained so as to keep the components securely in place. Also,
each switch, frog, and guard rail must be kept free of obstructions
that may interfere with the passage of wheels.
(b) Classes 3 through 5 track must be equipped with rail anchoring
through and on each side of track crossings and turnouts, to restrain
rail movement affecting the position of switch points and frogs.
(Requirement for Class 3 Track Effective [Date 1 Year after effective
Date of Final Rule].)
(c) Each flangeway at turnouts and track crossings must be at least
1\1/2\ inches wide.
Sec. 213.135 Switches.
(a) Each stock rail must be securely seated in switch plates, but
care must be used to avoid canting the rail by overtightening the rail
braces.
(b) Each switch point must fit its stock rail properly, with the
switch stand in either of its closed positions to allow wheels to pass
the switch point. Lateral and vertical movement of a stock rail in the
switch plates or of a switch plate on a tie must not adversely affect
the fit of the switch point to the stock rail. Broken or cracked switch
point rails will be subject to the requirements of Sec. 213.113, except
that where remedial actions C, D, or E require the use of joint bars,
and joint bars cannot be placed due to the physical configuration of
the switch, remedial action B will govern, taking into account any
added safety provided by the presence of reinforcing bars on the switch
points.
(c) Each switch must be maintained so that the outer edge of the
wheel tread cannot contact the gage side of the stock rail.
(d) The heel of each switch rail must be secure and the bolts in
each heel must be kept tight.
(e) Each switch stand and connecting rod must be securely fastened
and operable without excessive lost motion.
(f) Each throw lever must be maintained so that it cannot be
operated with the lock or keeper in place.
(g) Each switch position indicator must be clearly visible at all
times.
(h) Unusually chipped or worn switch points must be repaired or
replaced. Metal flow must be removed to insure proper closure.
(i) Tongue & Plain Mate switches, which by design exceed Class 1
and excepted track maximum gage limits, are permitted in Class 1 and
excepted track.
Sec. 213.137 Frogs.
(a) The flangeway depth measured from a plane across the wheel-
bearing area of a frog on Class 1 track may not be less than 1\3/8\
inches, or less than 1\1/2\ inches on Classes 2 through 5 track.
(b) If a frog point is chipped, broken, or worn more than five-
eighths inch down and 6 inches back, operating speed over the frog may
not be more than 10 miles per hour.
(c) If the tread portion of a frog casting is worn down more than
three-eighths inch below the original contour, operating speed over
that frog may not be more than 10 miles per hour.
(d) Where frogs are designed as flange-bearing, flangeway depth may
be less than that shown for Class 1 if operated at Class 1 speeds.
Sec. 213.139 Spring rail frogs.
(a) The outer edge of a wheel tread may not contact the gage side
of a spring wing rail.
(b) The toe of each wing rail must be solidly tamped and fully and
tightly bolted.
(c) Each frog with a bolt hole defect or head-web separation must
be replaced.
(d) Each spring must have a tension sufficient to hold the wing
rail against the point rail.
(e) The clearance between the holddown housing and the horn may not
be more than one-fourth of an inch.
Sec. 213.141 Self-guarded frogs.
(a) The raised guard on a self-guarded frog may not be worn more
than three-eighths of an inch.
(b) If repairs are made to a self-guarded frog without removing it
from service, the guarding face must be restored before rebuilding the
point.
Sec. 213.143 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage.
The guard check and guard face gages in frogs must be within the
limits prescribed in the following table--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guard check gage--
The distance
between the gage Guard face gage--
line of a frog to The distance
the guard line between guard
\1\ of its guard lines \1\,
rail or guarding measured across
Class of track face, measured the track at
across the track right angles to
at right angles the gage line
to the gage line \2\, may not be
\2\, may not be more than--
less than--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1 track..................... 4'6\1/8\'' 4'5\1/4\''
Class 2 track..................... 4'6\1/4\'' 4'5\1/8\''
Class 3 and 4 track............... 4'6\3/8\'' 4'5\1/8\''
Class 5 track..................... 4'6\1/2\'' 4'5''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A line along that side of the flangeway which is nearer to the
center of the track and at the same elevation as the gage line.
\2\ A line \5/8\inch below the top of the center line of the head of the
running rail, or corresponding location of the tread portion of the
track structure.
[[Page 36174]]
Subpart E--Track Appliances and Track-Related Devices
Sec. 213.201 Scope.
This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for certain track
appliances and track-related devices.
Sec. 213.205 Derails.
(a) Each derail must be clearly visible.
(b) When in a locked position, a derail must be free of lost motion
which would prevent it from performing its intended function.
(c) Each derail must be maintained to function as intended.
(d) Each derail must be properly installed for the rail to which it
is applied. (This paragraph (d) is effective [Date 1 year after
effective date of rule].)
Subpart F--Inspection
Sec. 213.231 Scope.
This subpart prescribes requirements for the frequency and manner
of inspecting track to detect deviations from the standards prescribed
in this part.
Sec. 213.233 Track inspections.
(a) All track must be inspected in accordance with the schedule
prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section by a person designated
under Sec. 213.7.
(b) Each inspection must be made on foot or by riding over the
track in a vehicle at a speed that allows the person making the
inspection to visually inspect the track structure for compliance with
this part. However, mechanical, electrical, and other track inspection
devices may be used to supplement visual inspection. If a vehicle is
used for visual inspection, the speed of the vehicle may not be more
than 5 miles per hour when passing over track crossings and turnouts,
otherwise, the inspection vehicle speed shall be at the sole discretion
of the inspector, based on track conditions and inspection
requirements. When riding over the track in a vehicle, the inspection
will be subject to the following conditions--
(1) One inspector in a vehicle may inspect up to two tracks at one
time provided that the inspector's visibility remains unobstructed by
any cause and that the second track is not centered more than 30 feet
from the track upon which the inspector is riding;
(2) Two inspectors in one vehicle may inspect up to four tracks at
a time provided that the inspectors' visibility remains unobstructed by
any cause and that each track being inspected is centered within 39
feet from the track upon which the inspectors are riding;
(3) Each main track is actually traversed by the vehicle or
inspected on foot at least once every two weeks, and each siding is
actually traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot at least once
every month. On high density commuter railroad lines where track time
does not permit an on track vehicle inspection, and where track centers
are 15 foot or less, the requirements of this paragraph (b)(3) will not
apply; and
(4) Track inspection records must indicate which track(s) are
traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot as outlined in paragraph
(b)(3) of this section.
(c) Each track inspection must be made in accordance with the
following schedule --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of track Type of track Required frequency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1, 2 , and 3 track...... Main track and Weekly with at least
sidings. 3 calendar days
interval between
inspections, or
before use, if the
track is used less
than once a week, or
twice weekly with at
least 1 calendar day
interval between
inspections, if the
track carries
passenger trains or
more than 10 million
gross tons of
traffic during the
preceding calendar
year.
Class 1, 2, and 3 track....... Other than main Monthly with at least
track and 20 calendar days
sidings. interval between
inspections.
Class 4 and 5 track........... ................. Twice weekly with at
least 1 calendar day
interval between
inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) If the person making the inspection finds a deviation from the
requirements of this part, the inspector shall immediately initiate
remedial action.
Note: to Sec. 213.233 No part of this section will in any way be
construed to limit the inspector's discretion as it involves
inspection speed and sight distance.
Sec. 213.235 Switch and track crossing inspections.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each
switch, turnout, and track crossing must be inspected on foot at least
monthly. Each switch in Classes 3 through 5 track that is held in
position only by the operating mechanism and one connecting rod shall
be operated to all of its positions during one inspection in every 3
month period.
(b) In the case of track that is used less than once a month, each
switch, turnout, and track crossing must be inspected on foot before it
is used.
Sec. 213.237 Inspection of rail.
(a) In addition to the track inspections required by Sec. 213.233,
a continuous search for internal defects must be made of all rail in
Classes 4 through 5 track, and Class 3 track over which passenger
trains operate, at least once every 40 mgt or once a year, whichever
interval is shorter. On Class 3 track over which passenger trains do
not operate such a search must be made at least once every 30 mgt or
once a year, whichever interval is longer. (This paragraph (a) is
effective the first January 1 after [effective date of final rule].)
(b) Inspection equipment must be capable of detecting defects
between joint bars, in the area enclosed by joint bars.
(c) Each defective rail must be marked with a highly visible
marking on both sides of the web and base.
(d) If the person assigned to operate the rail defect detection
equipment being used determines that, due to rail surface conditions, a
valid search for internal defects could not be made over a particular
length of track, the test on that particular length of track cannot be
considered as a search for internal defects under Sec. 213.237(a).
(This paragraph (d) is not retroactive to tests performed prior to the
effective date of final rule].)
(e) If a valid search for internal defects cannot be conducted for
reasons described in paragraph (d) of this section, the track owner
shall, before the expiration of time or tonnage limits--
(1) Conduct a valid search for internal defects;
(2) Reduce operating speed to a maximum of 25 miles per hour until
[[Page 36175]]
such time as a valid search for internal defects can be made; or
(3) Remove the rail from service.
Sec. 213.239 Special inspections.
In the event of fire, flood, severe storm, or other occurrence
which might have damaged track structure, a special inspection must be
made of the track involved as soon as possible after the occurrence.
Sec. 213.241 Inspection records.
(a) Each owner of track to which this part applies shall keep a
record of each inspection required to be performed on that track under
this subpart.
(b) Each record of an inspection under Secs. 213.4, 213.233, and
213.235 shall be prepared on the day the inspection is made and signed
by the person making the inspection. Records must specify the track
inspected, date of inspection, location and nature of any deviation
from the requirements of this part, and the remedial action taken by
the person making the inspection. The owner shall designate the
location(s) where each original record shall be maintained for at least
one year after the inspection covered by the record. The owner shall
also designate one location, within 100 miles of each state in which
they conduct operations, where copies of records which apply to those
operations are either maintained or can be viewed following 10 days
notice by the Federal Railroad Administration.
(c) Rail inspection records must specify the date of inspection,
the location and nature of any internal defects found, the remedial
action taken and the date thereof, and the location of any intervals of
track not tested per Sec. 213.237(d). The owner shall retain a rail
inspection record for at least two years after the inspection and for
one year after remedial action is taken.
(d) Each owner required to keep inspection records under this
section shall make those records available for inspection and copying
by the Federal Railroad Administration.
(e) For purposes of compliance with the requirements of this
section, an owner of track may maintain and transfer records through
electronic transmission, storage, and retrieval provided that--
(1) The electronic system be designed so that the integrity of each
record is maintained through appropriate levels of security such as
recognition of an electronic signature, or other means, which uniquely
identify the initiating person as the author of that record. No two
persons shall have the same electronic identity;
(2) The electronic storage of each record must be initiated by the
person making the inspection within 24 hours following the completion
of that inspection;
(3) The electronic system must ensure that each record cannot be
modified in any way, or replaced, once the record is transmitted and
stored;
(4) Any amendment to a record must be electronically stored apart
from the record which it amends. Each amendment to a record must be
uniquely identified as to the person making the amendment;
(5) The electronic system must provide for the maintenance of
inspection records as originally submitted without corruption or loss
of data;
(6) Paper copies of electronic records and amendments to those
records, that may be necessary to document compliance with this part
must be made available for inspection and copying by the Federal
Railroad Administration at the locations specified in paragraph (b) of
this section; and
(7) Track inspection records shall be kept available to persons who
performed the inspections and to persons performing subsequent
inspections.
Subpart G--Train Operations at Track Classes 6 and Higher
Sec. 213.301 Scope of subpart.
This part applies to all track that is required to support the
passage of qualified flanged wheel, high speed passenger equipment
operating between 91 miles per hour and 200 miles per hour and high
speed freight equipment operating between 81 miles per hour to 200
miles per hour.
Sec. 213.303 Responsibility for compliance.
(a) Any owner of track to which this subpart applies who knows or
has notice that the track does not comply with the requirements of this
subpart, shall--
(1) Bring the track into compliance; or
(2) Halt operations over that track.
(b) If an owner of track to which this subpart applies assigns
responsibility for the track to another person (by lease or otherwise),
notification of the assignment must be provided to the appropriate FRA
Regional Office at least 30 days in advance of the assignment. The
notification may be made by any party to that assignment, but must be
in writing and include the following --
(1) The name and address of the track owner;
(2) The name and address of the person to whom responsibility is
assigned (assignee);
(3) A statement of the exact relationship between the track owner
and the assignee;
(4) A precise identification of the track;
(5) A statement as to the competence and ability of the assignee to
carry out the duties of the track owner under this subpart;
(6) A statement signed by the assignee acknowledging the assignment
to that person of responsibility for purposes of compliance with this
subpart.
(c) The Administrator may hold the track owner or the assignee or
both responsible for compliance with this subpart and subject to the
penalties under Sec. 213.313.
(d) A common carrier by railroad which is directed by the Surface
Transportation Board to provide service over the track of another
railroad under 49 U.S.C. 11125 is considered the owner of that track
for the purposes of the application of this subpart during the period
the directed service order remains in effect.
Sec. 213.305 Designation of qualified individuals; general
qualifications.
Each track owner to which this subpart applies shall designate
qualified individuals responsible for the maintenance and inspection of
track in compliance with the safety requirements prescribed in this
subpart. Each designated individual, including contractors who are not
railroad employees, must meet the following minimum qualifications when
required to:
(a) Supervise restorations and renewals of track each individual
designated must have--
(1) At least;
(i) Five years of responsible supervisory experience in railroad
track maintenance in track class 4 or higher and the successful
completion of a course offered by the employer or by a college level
engineering program, supplemented by special on the job training
emphasizing the techniques to be employed in the supervision,
restoration, and renewal of high speed track; or
(ii) A combination of at least one year of responsible supervisory
experience in track maintenance in class 4 or higher and the successful
completion of a minimum of 80 hours of specialized training in the
maintenance of high speed track provided by the employer or by a
college level engineering program, supplemented by special on the job
training provided by the employer with emphasis on the maintenance of
high speed track; or
[[Page 36176]]
(iii) A combination of at least two years of experience in track
maintenance in track Class 4 or higher and the successful completion of
a minimum of 120 hours of specialized training in the maintenance of
high speed track provided by the employer or by a college level
engineering program supplemented by special on the job training
provided by the employer with emphasis on the maintenance of high speed
track.
(2) Demonstrated to the track owner that the individual:
(i) Knows and understands the requirements of this subpart;
(ii) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and
(iii) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or
safely compensate for those deviations; and
(3) Written authorization from the track owner to prescribe
remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from
the requirements of this subpart and successful completion of a
recorded examination on this subpart as part of the qualification
process.
(b) Inspect track for defects. Each individual designated must
have:
(1) At least:
(i) Five years of responsible experience inspecting track in Class
4 or above and the successful completion of a course offered by the
employer or by a college level engineering program, supplemented by
special on the job training emphasizing the techniques to be employed
in the inspection of high speed track; or
(ii) A combination of at least one year of responsible experience
in track inspection in class 4 or above and the successful completion
of a minimum of 80 hours of specialized training in the inspection of
high speed track provided by the employer or by a college level
engineering program, supplemented by special on the job training
provided by the employer with emphasis on the inspection of high speed
track.
(iii) A combination of at least two years of experience in track
maintenance in class 4 or above and the successful completion of a
minimum of 120 hours of specialized training in the inspection of high
speed track provided by the employer or from a college level
engineering program, supplemented by special on the job training
provided by the employer with emphasis on the inspection of high speed
track.
(2) Demonstrated to the track owner that the individual:
(i) Knows and understands the requirements of this subpart;
(ii) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and
(iii) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or
safely compensate for those deviations; and
(3) Written authorization from the track owner to prescribe
remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from
the requirements in this subpart and successful completion of a
recorded examination on this subpart as part of the qualification
process.
(c) Individuals designated under paragraph (a) or (b) of this
section that inspect continuous welded rail track (CWR) or supervise
the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of CWR in accordance with
the written procedures established by the track owner must have:
(1) Current qualifications under either paragraph (a) or (b) of
this section;
(2) Successfully completed a training course of at least eight
hours duration specifically developed for the application of written
CWR procedures issued by the track owner; and
(3) Demonstrated to the track owner that the individual:
(i) Knows and understands the requirements of those written CWR
procedures;
(ii) Can detect deviations from those requirements; and
(iii) Can prescribe appropriate remedial action to correct or
safely compensate for those deviations; and
(4) Written authorization from the track owner to prescribe
remedial actions to correct or safely compensate for deviations from
the requirements in those procedures and successful completion of a
recorded examination on those procedures as part of the qualification
process. The recorded examination may be written, or it may be a
computer file with the results of an interactive training course.
(d) With respect to designations under paragraphs (a), (b), and (c)
of this section, each track owner must maintain written records of:
(1) Each designation in effect;
(2) The basis for each designation, including but not limited to:
(i) The exact nature of any training courses attended and the dates
thereof;
(ii) The manner in which the track owner has determined a
successful completion of that training course, including test scores or
other qualifying results;
(3) Track inspections made by each individual as required by
Sec. 213.369. These records must be made available for inspection and
copying by the Federal Railroad Administration during regular business
hours.
(e) Persons not fully qualified to supervise certain renewals and
inspect track as outlined in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this
section, but with at least one year of maintenance of way or signal
experience, may be qualified by the track owner to pass trains over
broken rails and pull aparts provided that--
(1) The person is trained, examined and re-examined periodically
not to exceed two years, on the following topics as they relate to the
safe passage of trains over broken rails or pull aparts--
(i) Rail defect identification, tie condition, track surface and
alignment, gage restraint, rail end mismatch, joint bars, and maximum
distance between rail ends over which trains may be allowed to pass;
(ii) The purpose of the examination will be to ascertain the
persons ability to effectively apply these requirements and will not be
used as a disqualifier; and
(iii) A minimum of four hours training will be deemed adequate for
initial training.
(2) The person deems it safe and train speeds are limited to a
maximum of 10 mph over the broken rail or pull apart;
(3) The person must watch all movements over the broken rail or
pull apart and be prepared to stop the train if necessary; and
(4) Person(s) fully qualified under Sec. 213.305 of this subpart
are notified and dispatched to the location as soon as practicable for
the purpose of authorizing movements and effectuating temporary or
permanent repairs.
Sec. 213.307 Class of track: operating speed limits.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and
Secs. 213.329, 213.337(a) and 213.345(c), the following maximum
allowable operating speeds apply:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over track that meets all of the The maximum allowable
requirements prescribed in this subpart operating speed for trains
for \1\ is
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 6 track............................. 110 m.p.h.
Class 7 track............................. 125 m.p.h.
Class 8 track............................. 160 m.p.h
Class 9 track............................. 200 m.p.h.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Freight may be transported at passenger train speeds if the
following conditions are met:
(1) The vehicles utilized to carry such freight are of equal dynamic
performance and have been qualified in accordance with Sections
213.345 and 213.329(d) of this subpart.
(2) The load distribution and securement in the freight vehicle will not
adversely affect the dynamic performance of the vehicle. The axle
loading pattern is uniform and does not exceed the passenger
locomotive axle loadings utilized in passenger service operating at
the same maximum speed.
[[Page 36177]]
(3) No carrier may accept or transport a hazardous material, as defined
at 49 CFR 171.8, except as provided in Column 9A of the Hazardous
Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) for movement in the same train as a
passenger-carrying vehicle or in Column 9B of the Table for movement
in a train with no passenger-carrying vehicles.
(b) If a segment of track does not meet all of the requirements for its
intended class, it is to be reclassified to the next lower class of
track for which it does meet all of the requirements of this subpart.
If a segment does not meet all of the requirements for class 6, the
requirements for classes 1 through 5 apply.
Sec. 213.309 Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions.
(a) Restoration or renewal of track under traffic conditions is
limited to the replacement of worn, broken, or missing components or
fastenings that do not affect the safe passage of trains.
(b) The following activities are expressly prohibited under traffic
conditions:
(1) Any work that interrupts rail continuity, e.g., as in joint bar
replacement or rail replacement;
(2) Any work that adversely affects the lateral or vertical
stability of the track with the exception of spot tamping an isolated
condition where not more than 15 lineal feet of track are involved at
any one time and the ambient air temperature is not above 95 degrees;
and
(3) Removal and replacement of the rail fastenings on more than one
tie at a time within 15 feet.
Sec. 213.311 Measuring track not under load.
When unloaded track is measured to determine compliance with
requirements of this subpart, evidence of rail movement, if any, that
occurs while the track is loaded must be added to the measurements of
the unloaded track.
Sec. 213.317 Exemptions.
(a) Any owner of track to which this subpart applies may petition
the Federal Railroad Administrator for exemption from any or all
requirements prescribed in this subpart.
(b) Each petition for exemption under this section must be filed in
the manner and contain the information required by Secs. 211.7 and
211.9 of this chapter.
(c) If the Administrator finds that an exemption is in the public
interest and is consistent with railroad safety, the Administrator may
grant the exemption subject to any conditions the Administrator deems
necessary. Notice of each exemption granted is published in the Federal
Register together with a statement of the reasons therefore.
Sec. 213.319 Drainage.
Each drainage or other water carrying facility under or immediately
adjacent to the roadbed must be maintained and kept free of
obstruction, to accommodate expected water flow for the area concerned.
Sec. 213.321 Vegetation.
Vegetation on railroad property which is on or immediately adjacent
to roadbed must be controlled so that it does not--
(a) Become a fire hazard to track-carrying structures;
(b) Obstruct visibility of railroad signs and signals along the
right of way and at highway-rail crossings;
(c) Interfere with railroad employees performing normal trackside
duties;
(d) Prevent proper functioning of signal and communication lines;
or
(e) Prevent railroad employees from visually inspecting moving
equipment from their normal duty stations.
Sec. 213.323 Track gage.
(a) Gage is measured between the heads of the rails at right-angles
to the rails in a plane five-eighths of an inch below the top of the
rail head.
(b) Gage must be within the limits prescribed in the following
table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The change
of gage in
The gage But not 31 feet
Class of track must be at more than must not be
least greater
than
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6................................ 4' 8'' 4' 9\1/4\'' \1/2\''
7................................ 4' 8'' 4' 9\1/4\'' \1/2\''
8................................ 4' 8'' 4' 9\1/4\'' \1/2\''
9................................ 4' 8\1/4\'' 4' 9\1/4\'' \1/2\''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.327 Alignment.
(a) Uniformity at any point along the track is established by
averaging the measured mid-chord offset values for nine consecutive
points centered around that point and which are spaced according to the
following table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chord Length Spacing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
31'........................................................ 7' 9''
62'........................................................ 15' 6''
124'....................................................... 31' 0''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) For a single deviation, alignment may not deviate from
uniformity more than the amount prescribed in the following table:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deviation The deviation The deviation
from uniformity from uniformity from uniformity
of the mid-chord of the mid-chord of the mid-chord
Class of track offset for a 31- offset for a 62- offset for a 124-
foot chord may foot chord may foot chord may
not be more than not be more than not be more than
(inches) (inches) (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6...................................................... \1/2\ \3/4\ 1\1/2\
7...................................................... \1/2\ \1/2\ 1\1/4\
8...................................................... \1/2\ \1/2\ \3/4\
9...................................................... \1/2\ \1/2\ \1/2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 36178]]
(c) For three or more non-overlapping deviations from uniformity in
track alignment occurring within a distance equal to five times the
specified chord length, each of which exceeds the limits in the
following table, each owner of the track to which this subpart applies
shall maintain the alignment of the track within the limits prescribed
for each deviation:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deviation The deviation The deviation
from uniformity from uniformity from uniformity
of the mid-chord of the mid-chord of the mid-chord
Class of track offset for a 31- offset for a 62- offset for a 124-
foot chord may foot chord may foot chord may
not be more than not be more than not be more than
(inches) (inches) (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6...................................................... \3/8\ \1/2\ 1
7...................................................... \3/8\ \3/8\ \7/8\
8...................................................... \3/8\ \3/8\ \1/2\
9...................................................... \3/8\ \3/8\ \3/8\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.329 Curves, elevation and speed limitations.
(a) The maximum crosslevel on the outside rail of a curve may not
be more than 7 inches. The outside rail of a curve may not be more than
\1/2\ inch lower than the inside rail.
(b) The maximum allowable operating speed for each curve is
determined by the following formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.012
where--
Vmax = Maximum allowable operating speed (miles per hour).
Ea = Actual elevation of the outside rail (inches).\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Actual elevation for each 155 foot track segment in the body
of the curve is determined by averaging the elevation for 10 points
through the segment at 15.5 foot spacing. If the curve length is
less than 155 feet, average the points through the full length of
the body of the curve. If Eu exceeds 4 inches, the Vmax
formula applies to the spirals on both ends of the curve.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
D = Degree of curvature (degrees).\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Degree of curvature is determined by averaging the degree of
curvature over the same track segment as the elevation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 = 3 inches of unbalance.
Appendix A includes tables showing maximum allowable operating speeds
computed in accordance with this formula for various elevations and
degrees of curvature for track speeds greater than 90 mph.
(c) For rolling stock meeting the requirements specified in
paragraph (d) of this section, the maximum operating speed for each
curve may be determined by the following formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.013
where--
Vmax = Maximum allowable operating speed (miles per hour).
Ea = Actual elevation of the outside rail (inches).\1\
D = Degree of curvature (degrees).\2\
Eu = Unbalanced elevation.
(d) Qualified equipment may be operated at curving speeds
determined by the formula in paragraph (c) of this section, provided
each specific class of equipment is approved for operation by the
Federal Railroad Administration and demonstrate that--
(1) When positioned on a track with uniform superelevation,
Ea, reflecting the intended target cant deficiency,
Eu, no wheel of the equipment unloads to a value of 60
percent or less of its static value on perfectly level track and the
roll angle between the floor of the vehicle and the horizontal does not
exceed 5.7 degrees.
(2) When positioned on a track with a uniform 7-inch
superelevation, no wheel unloads to a value less than 60 percent of its
static value on perfectly level track and the angle, measured about the
roll axis, between the floor of the vehicle and the horizontal does not
exceed 8.6 degrees.
(e) The track owner must notify the Federal Railroad Administrator
no less than thirty calendar days prior to any proposed implementation
of the higher curving speeds allowed when the ``Eu'' term,
above, will exceed three inches. This notification must be in writing
and shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) A complete description of the class of equipment involved,
including schematic diagrams of the suspension system and the location
of the center of gravity above top of rail;
(2) A complete description of the test procedure \1\ and
instrumentation used to qualify the equipment and the maximum values
for wheel unloading and roll angles which were observed during testing;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The test procedure may be conducted in a test facility
whereby all wheels on one side (right or left) of the equipment are
raised or lowered by six and then seven inches, the vertical wheel
loads under each wheel are measured and a level is used to record
the angle through which the floor of the vehicle has been rotated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Procedures or standards in effect which relate to the
maintenance of the suspension system for the particular class of
equipment;
(4) Identification of line segment on which the higher curving
speeds are proposed to be implemented.
(f) In the case of a track owner, or an operator of a passenger or
commuter service, who provides passenger or commuter service over
trackage of more than one track owner with the same class of equipment,
that person may provide written notification to the Federal Railroad
Administrator with the written consent of the other affected track
owners.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Vehicles presently operating at curving speeds allowed under
the formula in paragraph (c) of this section, by reason of
conditional waivers granted by the Federal Railroad Administration,
shall be considered to have successfully complied with the
requirements of this section.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.331 Track surface.
(a) For a single deviation in track surface, each owner of the
track to which this subpart applies shall maintain the surface of its
track within the limits prescribed in the following table:
[[Page 36179]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of track
Track surface ---------------------------------------------------
6 (inches) 7 (inches) 8 (inches) 9 (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deviation from uniform \1\ profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 31-foot chord may not be more than........ 1\1/4\ 1\1/4\ \3/4\ \1/2\
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 62-foot chord may not be more than........ 1\1/4\ 1\1/4\ 1\1/4\ 1
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 124-foot chord may not be more than....... 1\3/4\ 1\1/2\ 1\1/4\ 1\1/4\
The difference in crosslevel between any two points less
than 62 feet apart may not be more than.................... 1\1/2\ 1\1/2\ 1\1/2\ 1\1/2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Uniformity for profile is established by placing the midpoint of the specified chord at the point of maximum
measurement.
(b) For three or more non-overlapping deviations in track surface
occurring within a distance equal to five times the specified chord
length, each of which exceeds the limits in the following table, each
owner of the track to which this subpart applies shall maintain the
surface of the track within the limits prescribed for each deviation:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of track
Track surface --------------------------------------- 9 (inches)
6 (inches) 7 (inches) 8 (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 31-foot chord may not be more than........ \7/8\ \7/8\ \1/2\ \3/8\
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 62-foot chord may not be more than........ \7/8\ \7/8\ \7/8\ \3/4\
The deviation from uniform profile on either rail at the
midordinate of a 124-foot chord may not be more than....... 1\1/4\ 1 \7/8\ \7/8\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.333 Automated vehicle inspection systems.
(a) For track class 7, a qualifying Track Geometry Measurement
System (TGMS) vehicle shall be operated at least twice within 120
calendar days with not less than 30 days between inspections. For track
classes 8 and 9, it shall be operated at least twice within 60 days
with not less than 15 days between inspections.
(b) A qualifying TGMS must meet or exceed minimum design
requirements which specify that--
(1) Track geometry measurements shall be taken no more than 3 feet
away from the contact point of wheels carrying a vertical load of no
less than 10,000 pounds per wheel;
(2) Track geometry measurements shall be taken and recorded on a
distance-based sampling interval which shall not exceed 2 feet; and
(3) Calibration procedures and parameters are assigned to the
system which assure that measured and recorded values accurately
represent track conditions. Track geometry measurements recorded by the
system shall not differ on repeated runs at the same site at the same
speed more than \1/8\ inch.
(c) A qualifying TGMS must be capable of measuring and processing
the necessary track geometry parameters, at an interval of no more than
every 2 feet, which enables the system to determine compliance with
Sec. 213.323, Track gage; Sec. 213.327, Alignment; Sec. 213.329,
Curves; elevation and speed limitations; and Sec. 213.331, Track
surface.
(d) A qualifying TGMS must be capable of producing, within 24 hours
of the inspection, output reports that--
(1) Provide a continuous plot, on a constant-distance axis, of all
measured track geometry parameters required in paragraph (c) of this
section;
(2) Provide an exception report containing a systematic listing of
all track geometry conditions which constitute an exception to the
class of track over the segment surveyed.
(e) The output reports required under paragraph (c) of this section
must contain sufficient location identification information which
enable field forces to easily locate indicated exceptions.
(f) Following a track inspection performed by a qualifying TGMS,
the track owner must, within two days after the inspection, field
verify and institute remedial action for all exceptions to the class of
track.
(g) The track owner shall maintain for a period of one year
following an inspection performed by a qualifying TGMS, copy of the
plot and the exception printout for the track segment involved, and
additional records which:
(1) Specify the date the inspection was made and the track segment
involved; and
(2) Specify the location, remedial action taken, and the date
thereof, for all listed exceptions to the class.
(h) For track classes 8 and 9, a qualifying Gage Restraint
Measurement System (GRMS) shall be operated at least once annually with
at least 180 days between inspections to continuously compare loaded
track gage to unloaded gage under a known loading condition. The
lateral capacity of the track structure must not permit a gage widening
ratio (GWR) greater than 0.5 inches.
(i) A GRMS must meet or exceed minimum design requirements which
specify that--
(1) Gage restraint shall be measured between the heads of the
rail--
(i) At an interval less than or equal to the distance between the
gage restraint supports.
(ii) Under an applied vertical load of at least 10,000 pounds per
rail,
(iii) Under an applied lateral load which provides for lateral/
vertical load ratio of between 0.5 and 1.25 \1\, and the net lateral
load, or load severity, is greater than 3000 pounds but less than 8000
pounds per rail. Load severity is defined by the formula--
\1\ GRMS equipment using load combinations developing L/V ratios
which exceed 0.8 must be operated with caution to protect against
the risk of wheel climb by the test wheelset.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
S = L -cV
where
S = Load severity, defined as the net lateral load applied to the
fastener system (pounds).
L = Actual lateral load applied (pounds).
c = Coefficient of friction between rail/tie which is assigned a
nominal value of (0.4).
[[Page 36180]]
V = Actual vertical load applied (pounds).
(2) The measured gage values shall be converted to a projected
loaded gage 24 (PLG24) as follows:
PLG24 = UTG + A * (LTG-UTG), where--
UTG= Unloaded track gage measured at a point at least 10 feet from any
lateral load application
LTG= Loaded track gage measured at the point of application of the
lateral load
A = The extrapolation factor used to convert the measured loaded gage
to expected loaded gage under a 24,000 pound lateral load and a 33,000
pound vertical load. for all track--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.014
where
L = Actual lateral load applied (pounds).
V = Actual vertical load applied (pounds).
(3) The measured gage value shall be converted to a gage widening
ratio (GWR) as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JY97.015
(j) A minimum of two vehicles per train operating in classes 8 and
9 shall be equipped with on-board truck side and carbody
accelerometers. Each track owner shall have in effect written
procedures for the notification of track forces when on-board
accelerometers on trains in classes 8 and 9 indicate a possible track-
related condition.
(k) For track classes 7 , 8 and 9, an instrumented car having
dynamic response characteristics that are representative of other
equipment assigned to service or a portable device that monitors on-
board instrumentation on trains shall be operated over the track at the
revenue speed profile at a frequency of at least twice within 60 days
with not less than 15 days between inspections. The instrumented car or
the portable device shall provide for the monitoring of vertically and
laterally oriented accelerometers near the end of the vehicle at the
floor level. In addition, accelerometers shall be mounted at a position
directly above the axle of each truck. If the carbody lateral, carbody
vertical, truck frame lateral, or truck frame vertical safety limits
are exceeded, speeds will be reduced until these vehicle/performance
safety limits are not exceeded.
(l) For track classes 8 and 9, an instrumented car having dynamic
response characteristics that are representative of other equipment
assigned to service shall be operated over the track at the revenue
speed profile annually with not less than 180 days between inspections.
The instrumented car shall be equipped with instrumented wheelsets to
measure wheel/rail forces. If the wheel/rail force limits are exceeded,
speeds will be reduced until these vehicle/performance safety limits
are not exceeded.
(m) The track owner shall maintain a copy of the most recent
exception printouts for the inspections required under paragraphs (k)
and (l) of this section.
Vehicle/Track Interaction Performance Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parameter Safety Limit Filter/Window Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wheel/Rail Forces \1\:
Minimum Vertical Wheel Load.... 10 % of Static........ 5 ft.................. No wheel of the equipment
shall be permitted to
unload to less than 10% of
the static vertical wheel
load. The static vertical
wheel load is defined as
the load that the wheel
would carry when
stationary on level track.
The vertical wheel load
limit shall be increased
by the amount of
measurement error.
Wheel L/V Ratio................ tan--.5 1+.5tan. exerts on an individual
rail to the vertical force
exerted by the same wheel
on the rail shall be less
than the safety limit
calculated for the wheel's
flange angle ().
Net Axle Lateral............... 50 % of static 5 ft.................. The net lateral force
vertical axle load. exerted by any axle on the
track shall not exceed 50%
of the static vertical
load that the axle exerts
on the track.
Truck Side L/V Ratio........... 0.6................... 5 ft.................. The ratio of the lateral
forces that the wheels on
one side of any truck
exert on an individual
rail to the vertical
forces exerted by the same
wheels on that rail shall
be less than 0.6.
Accelerations:
Carbody Lateral \2\............ 0.5 g peak-to-peak.... 10 Hz 1 sec window.... The peak to peak
accelerations (measured as
the algebraic difference
between the two extreme
values of measured
acceleration in a one-
second time period) shall
not exceed 0.5g.
Carbody Vertical............... 0.6 g peak-to-peak.... 10 Hz 1 sec window.... The peak to peak
accelerations (measured as
the algebraic difference
between the two extreme
values of measured
acceleration in a one-
second time period) shall
not exceed 0.6g.
Truck Frame Lateral \3\........ 0.4 g RMS for 2 sec... 10 Hz................. Truck hunting \4\ shall not
develop below the maximum
authorized speed.
[[Page 36181]]
Truck Frame Vertical........... 5.0 g zero-to-peak.... 10 Hz................. Truck frame vertical
accelerations shall not
exceed 5.0 g
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The lateral and vertical wheel forces shall be measured with instrumented wheelsets with the measurements
processed through a filter having a pass band of 0 to 10 Hz.
\2\ Carbody lateral and vertical accelerations shall be measured near the car ends at the floor level.
\3\ Truck accelerations in the lateral direction shall be measured at a position directly above the axle. The
measurements shall be processed through a filter having a pass band of 0.5 to 10 Hz.
\4\ Truck hunting is defined as a sustained cyclic oscillation of the truck which is evidenced by lateral
accelerations in excess of 0.4g root mean square for 2 seconds.
Sec. 213.335 Crossties.
(a) Crossties shall be made of a material to which rail can be
securely fastened.
(b) Each 39 foot segment of track shall have--
(1) A sufficient number of crossties which in combination provide
effective support that will--
(i) Hold gage within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.323(b);
(ii) Maintain surface within the limits prescribed in Sec. 213.331;
and
(iii) Maintain alignment within the limits prescribed in
Sec. 213.327.
(2) The minimum number and type of crossties specified in paragraph
(c) of this section effectively distributed to support the entire
segment; and
(3) Crossties of the type specified in paragraph (c) of this
section that are (is) located at a joint location as specified in
paragraph (e) of this section.
(c) For non-concrete tie construction, each 39 foot segment of
class 6 track shall have fourteen crossties; classes 7, 8 and 9 shall
have 18 crossties which are not--
(1) Broken through;
(2) Split or otherwise impaired to the extent the crossties will
allow the ballast to work through, or will not hold spikes or rail
fasteners;
(3) So deteriorated that the tie plate or base of rail can move
laterally \3/8\ inch relative to the crossties;
(4) Cut by the tie plate through more than 40 percent of a tie's
thickness;
(5) Configured with less than 2 rail holding spikes or fasteners
per tie plate; or
(6) Able, due to insufficient fastener toeload, to maintain
longitudinal restraint and maintain rail hold down and gage.
(d) For concrete-tie construction, each 39 foot segment of class 6
track shall have fourteen crossties, classes 7, 8 and 9 shall have 16
crossties which are not--
(1) So deteriorated that the prestress strands are ineffective or
withdrawn into the tie at one end and the tie exhibits structural
cracks in the rail seat or in the gage of track;
(2) Configured with less than 2 fasteners on the same rail;
(3) So deteriorated in the vicinity of the rail fastener such that
the fastener assembly may pull out or move laterally more than \3/8\
inch relative to the crosstie;
(4) So deteriorated that the fastener base plate or base of rail
can move laterally more than \3/8\ inch relative to the crossties;
(5) So deteriorated that rail seat abrasion is sufficiently deep so
as to cause loss of rail fastener toeload;
(6) Completely broken through; or
(7) Able, due to insufficient fastener toeload, to maintain
longitudinal restraint and maintain rail hold down and gage.
(e) Class 6 track shall have one non-defective crosstie whose
centerline is within 18 inches of the rail joint location or two
crossties whose center lines are within 25 inches either side of the
rail joint location. Class 7, 8, and 9 track shall have two non-
defective ties within 25 inches each side of the rail joint.
(f) For track constructed without crossties, such as slab track and
track connected directly to bridge structural components, the track
structure must meet the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) (i), (ii),
and (iii) of this section.
(g) In classes 7, 8 and 9 there shall be at least three non-
defective ties each side of a defective tie.
(h) Where timber crossties are in use there must be tie plates
under the running rails on at least nine of 10 consecutive ties.
(i) No metal object which causes a concentrated load by solely
supporting a rail shall be allowed between the base of the rail and the
bearing surface of the tie plate.
Sec. 213.337 Defective rails.
(a) When an owner of track to which this part applies learns,
through inspection or otherwise, that a rail in that track contains any
of the defects listed in the following table, a person designated under
Sec. 213.305 shall determine whether or not the track may continue in
use. If the person determines that the track may continue in use,
operation over the defective rail is not permitted until --
(1) The rail is replaced; or
(2) The remedial action prescribed in the table is initiated--
REMEDIAL ACTION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length of defect (inch) Percent of rail head
------------------------------------- cross-sectional area If defective rail
weakened by defect is not replaced,
Defect But not -------------------------- take the remedial
More than more than But not action prescribed
Less than less than in note
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transverse fissure............ ...................... ........... 70 5 B.
...................... ........... 100 70 A2.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A.
Compound fissure.............. ...................... ........... 70 5 B.
...................... ........... 100 70 A2.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A.
Detail fracture............... ...................... ........... 25 5 C.
Engine burn fracture.......... ...................... ........... 80 25 D.
[[Page 36182]]
Defective weld................ ...................... ........... 100 80 A2 and E and H.
...................... ........... ........... 100 A or E and H.
Horizontal split head......... 1..................... 2 ........... ........... H and F.
Vertical split head........... 2..................... 4 ........... ........... I and G.
Split web..................... 4..................... ........... ........... ........... B.
Piped rail.................... (\1\)................. (\1\) (\1\) ........... A.
Head web separation........... ...................... ........... ........... ........... .................
Bolt hole crack............... \1/2\................. 1 ........... ........... H and F.
1..................... 1\1/2\ ........... ........... H and G.
1\1/2\................ ........... ........... ........... B.
(\1\)................. (\1\) (\1\) ........... A.
Broken base................... 1..................... 6 ........... ........... D.
6..................... ........... ........... ........... A or E and I.
Ordinary break................ ...................... ........... ........... ........... A or E.
Damaged rail.................. ...................... ........... ........... ........... D.
Flattened rail................ Depth \3/8\ ........... ........... ........... H.
and.
Length 8..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(\1\) Break out in rail head.
Notes:
A. Assign person designated under Sec. 213.305 to visually
supervise each operation over defective rail.
A2. Assign person designated under Sec. 213.305 to make visual
inspection. That person may authorize operation to continue without
visual supervision at a maximum of 10 mph for up to 24 hours prior
to another such visual inspection or replacement or repair of the
rail.
B. Limit operating speed over defective rail to that as
authorized by a person designated under Sec. 213.305(a)(1)(i) or
(ii). The operating speed cannot be over 30 mph.
C. Apply joint bars bolted only through the outermost holes to
defect within 20 days after it is determined to continue the track
in use. Limit operating speed over defective rail to 30 mph until
angle bars are applied; thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph. When a
search for internal rail defects is conducted under Sec. 213.339 and
defects are discovered which require remedial action C, the
operating speed shall be limited to 50 mph, for a period not to
exceed 4 days. If the defective rail has not been removed from the
track or a permanent repair made within 4 days of the discovery,
limit operating speed over the defective rail to 30 mph until joint
bars are applied; thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph.
D. Apply joint bars bolted only through the outermost holes to
defect within 10 days after it is determined to continue the track
in use. Limit operating speed over the defective rail to 30 mph or
less as authorized by a person designated under
Sec. 213.305(a)(1)(i) or (ii) until angle bars are applied;
thereafter, limit speed to 50 mph.
E. Apply joint bars to defect and bolt in accordance with
Sec. 213.351(d) and (e).
F. Inspect rail 90 days after it is determined to continue the
track in use.
G. Inspect rail 30 days after it is determined to continue the
track in use.
H. Limit operating speed over defective rail to 50 mph.
I. Limit operating speed over defective rail to 30 mph.
(b) As used in this section--
(1) Transverse Fissure means a progressive crosswise fracture
starting from a crystalline center or nucleus inside the head from
which it spreads outward as a smooth, bright, or dark, round or oval
surface substantially at a right angle to the length of the rail. The
distinguishing features of a transverse fissure from other types of
fractures or defects are the crystalline center or nucleus and the
nearly smooth surface of the development which surrounds it.
(2) Compound Fissure means a progressive fracture originating in a
horizontal split head which turns up or down in the head of the rail as
a smooth, bright, or dark surface progressing until substantially at a
right angle to the length of the rail. Compound fissures require
examination of both faces of the fracture to locate the horizontal
split head from which they originate.
(3) Horizontal Split Head means a horizontal progressive defect
originating inside of the rail head, usually one-quarter inch or more
below the running surface and progressing horizontally in all
directions, and generally accompanied by a flat spot on the running
surface. The defect appears as a crack lengthwise of the rail when it
reaches the side of the rail head.
(4) Vertical Split Head means a vertical split through or near the
middle of the head, and extending into or through it. A crack or rust
streak may show under the head close to the web or pieces may be split
off the side of the head.
(5) Split Web means a lengthwise crack along the side of the web
and extending into or through it.
(6) Piped Rail means a vertical split in a rail, usually in the
web, due to failure of the shrinkage cavity in the ingot to unite in
rolling.
(7) Broken Base means any break in the base of the rail.
(8) Detail Fracture means a progressive fracture originating at or
near the surface of the rail head. These fractures should not be
confused with transverse fissures, compound fissures, or other defects
which have internal origins. Detail fractures may arise from shelly
spots, head checks, or flaking.
(9) Engine Burn Fracture means a progressive fracture originating
in spots where driving wheels have slipped on top of the rail head. In
developing downward they frequently resemble the compound or even
transverse fissures with which they should not be confused or
classified.
(10) Ordinary Break means a partial or complete break in which
there is no sign of a fissure, and in which none of the other defects
described in this paragraph (b) are found.
(11) Damaged Rail means any rail broken or injured by wrecks,
broken, flat, or unbalanced wheels, slipping, or similar causes.
(12) Flattened Rail means a short length of rail, not a joint,
which has flattened out across the width of the rail head to a depth of
\3/8\ inch or more below the rest of the rail. Flattened rail
occurrences have no repetitive
[[Page 36183]]
regularity and thus do not include corrugations, and have no apparent
localized cause such as a weld or engine burn. Their individual length
is relatively short, as compared to a condition such as head flow on
the low rail of curves.
Sec. 213.339 Inspection of rail in service.
(a) A continuous search for internal defects must be made of all
rail in track at least twice annually with not less than 120 days
between inspections.
(b) Inspection equipment must be capable of detecting defects
between joint bars, in the area enclosed by joint bars.
(c) Each defective rail must be marked with a highly visible
marking on both sides of the web and base.
(d) If the person assigned to operate the rail defect detection
equipment being used determines that, due to rail surface conditions, a
valid search for internal defects could not be made over a particular
length of track, the test on that particular length of track cannot be
considered as a search for internal defects under Sec. 213.337(a).
(e) If a valid search for internal defects cannot be conducted for
reasons described in paragraph (d) of this section, the track owner
shall, before the expiration of time limits--
(1) Conduct a valid search for internal defects;
(2) Reduce operating speed to a maximum of 25 miles per hour until
such time as a valid search for internal defects can be made; or
(3) Remove the rail from service.
Sec. 213.341 Initial inspection of new rail and welds.
The track owner shall provide for the initial inspection of newly
manufactured rail, and for initial inspection of new welds made in
either new or used rail. A track owner may demonstrate compliance with
this section by providing for:
(a) In-service inspection--A scheduled periodic inspection of rail
and welds that have been placed in service, if conducted in accordance
with the provisions of Sec. 213.339, and if conducted not later than 90
days after installation, shall constitute compliance with paragraphs
(b) and (c) of this section;
(b) Mill inspection--A continuous inspection at the rail
manufacturer's mill shall constitute compliance with the requirement
for initial inspection of new rail, provided that the inspection
equipment meets the applicable requirements specified in Sec. 213.339.
The track owner shall obtain a copy of the manufacturer's report of
inspection and retain it as a record until the rail receives its first
scheduled inspection under Sec. 213.339;
(c) Welding plant inspection--A continuous inspection at a welding
plant, if conducted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b)
of this section, and accompanied by a plant operator's report of
inspection which is retained as a record by the track owner, shall
constitute compliance with the requirements for initial inspection of
new rail and plant welds, or of new plant welds made in used rail; and
(d) Inspection of field welds--Initial inspection of new field
welds, either those joining the ends of CWR strings or those made for
isolated repairs, shall be conducted not less than one day and not more
than 30 days after the welds have been made. The initial inspection may
be conducted by means of portable test equipment. The track owner shall
retain a record of such inspections until the welds receive their first
scheduled inspection under Sec. 213.339.
(e) Each defective rail found during inspections conducted under
paragraph (a) or (d) of this section must be marked with highly visible
markings on both sides of the web and base and the remedial action as
appropriate under Sec. 213.337 will apply.
Sec. 213.343 Continuous welded rail (CWR).
Each track owner with track constructed of CWR shall have in effect
written procedures which address the installation, adjustment,
maintenance and inspection of CWR, and a training program for the
application of those procedures, which shall be submitted to the
Federal Railroad Administration within six months following [the
effective date of the final rule]. FRA shall review each plan for
compliance with the following--
(a) Procedures for the installation and adjustment of CWR which
include--
(1) Designation of a desired rail installation temperature range
for the geographic area in which the CWR is located; and
(2) Destressing procedures/methods which address proper attainment
of the desired rail installation temperature range when adjusting CWR.
(b) Rail anchoring or fastening requirements that will provide
sufficient restraint to limit longitudinal rail and crosstie movement
to the extent practical, and specifically addressing CWR rail anchoring
or fastening patterns on bridges, bridge approaches, and at other
locations where possible longitudinal rail and crosstie movement
associated with normally expected train-induced forces, is restricted.
(c) Procedures which specifically address maintaining a desired
rail installation temperature range when cutting CWR including rail
repairs, in-track welding, and in conjunction with adjustments made in
the area of tight track, a track buckle, or a pull-apart. Rail repair
practices must take into consideration existing rail temperature so
that--
(1) When rail is removed, the length installed shall be determined
by taking into consideration the existing rail temperature and the
desired rail installation temperature range; and
(2) Under no circumstances should rail be added when the rail
temperature is below that designated by paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, without provisions for later adjustment.
(d) Procedures which address the monitoring of CWR in curved track
for inward shifts of alignment toward the center of the curve as a
result of disturbed track.
(e) Procedures which control train speed on CWR track when--
(1) Maintenance work, track rehabilitation, track construction, or
any other event occurs which disturbs the roadbed or ballast section
and reduces the lateral and/or longitudinal resistance of the track;
and
(2) In formulating the procedures under this paragraph (e), the
track owner must--
(i) Determine the speed required, and the duration and subsequent
removal of any speed restriction based on the restoration of the
ballast, along with sufficient ballast re-consolidation to stabilize
the track to a level that can accommodate expected train-induced
forces. Ballast re-consolidation can be achieved through either the
passage of train tonnage or mechanical stabilization procedures, or
both; and
(ii) Take into consideration the type of crossties used.
(f) Procedures which prescribe when physical track inspections are
to be performed to detect buckling prone conditions in CWR track. At a
minimum, these procedures shall address inspecting track to identify--
(1) Locations where tight or kinky rail conditions are likely to
occur;
(2) Locations where track work of the nature described in paragraph
(e)(1) of this section have recently been performed; and
(3) In formulating the procedures under this paragraph (f), the
track owner shall--
(i) Specify the timing of the inspection; and
(ii) Specify the appropriate remedial actions to be taken when
buckling prone conditions are found.
[[Page 36184]]
(g) The track owner shall have in effect a comprehensive training
program for the application of these written CWR procedures, with
provisions for periodic re-training, for those individuals designated
under Sec. 213.305(c) of this part as qualified to supervise the
installation, adjustment, and maintenance of CWR track and to perform
inspections of CWR track.
(h) The track owner shall prescribe recordkeeping requirements
necessary to provide an adequate history of track constructed with CWR.
At a minimum, these records must include:
(1) Rail temperature, location and date of CWR installations. This
record shall be retained for at least one year; and
(2) A record of any CWR installation or maintenance work that does
not conform with the written procedures. Such record must include the
location of the rail and be maintained until the CWR is brought into
conformance with such procedures.
(i) As used in this section --
(1) Adjusting/Destressing means the procedure by which a rail's
temperature is re-adjusted to the desired value. It typically consists
of cutting the rail and removing rail anchoring devices, which provides
for the necessary expansion and contraction, and then re-assembling the
track.
(2) Buckling Incident means the formation of a lateral mis-
alignment sufficient in magnitude to constitute a deviation of 5 inches
measured with a 62-foot chord. These normally occur when rail
temperatures are relatively high and are caused by high longitudinal
compressive forces.
(3) Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) means rail that has been welded
together into lengths exceeding 400 feet.
(4) Desired Rail Installation Temperature Range means the rail
temperature range, within a specific geographical area, at which forces
in CWR should not cause a track buckle in extreme heat, or a pull-apart
during extreme cold weather.
(5) Disturbed Track means the disturbance of the roadbed or ballast
section, as a result of track maintenance or any other event, which
reduces the lateral and/or longitudinal resistance of the track.
(6) Mechanical Stabilization means a type of procedure used to
restore track resistance to disturbed track following certain
maintenance operations. This procedure may incorporate dynamic track
stabilizers or ballast consolidators, which are units of work equipment
that are used as a substitute for the stabilization action provided by
the passage of tonnage trains.
(7) Rail Anchors means those devices which are attached to the rail
and bear against the side of the crosstie to control longitudinal rail
movement. Certain types of rail fasteners also act as rail anchors and
control longitudinal rail movement by exerting a downward clamping
force on the upper surface of the rail base.
(8) Rail Temperature means the temperature of the rail, measured
with a rail thermometer.
(9) Tight/Kinky Rail means CWR which exhibits minute alignment
irregularities which indicate that the rail is in a considerable amount
of compression.
(10) Train-induced Forces means the vertical, longitudinal, and
lateral dynamic forces which are generated during train movement and
which can contribute to the buckling potential.
(11) Track Lateral Resistance means the resistance provided to the
rail/crosstie structure against lateral displacement.
(12) Track Longitudinal Resistance means the resistance provided by
the rail anchors/rail fasteners and the ballast section to the rail/
crosstie structure against longitudinal displacement.
Sec. 213.345 Vehicle qualification testing.
(a) All rolling stock types must be qualified for operation for
their intended track classes in order to demonstrate that the vehicle
dynamic response to track alignment and geometry variations are within
acceptable limits to assure safe operation. Rolling stock operating in
class 6 within one year prior to the promulgation of this subpart shall
be considered as being successfully qualified for class 6 track and
vehicles presently operating at class 7 speeds by reason of conditional
waivers shall be considered as qualified for class 7.
(b) The qualification testing will insure that the equipment will
not exceed the vehicle/track performance safety limits specified in
Sec. 213.333 at any speed less than 10 mph above the proposed maximum
operating speed.
(c) To obtain the test data necessary to support the analysis
required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the track owner
shall have a test plan which shall consider the operating practices and
conditions, signal system, road crossings and trains on adjacent tracks
during testing. The track owner shall establish a target maximum
testing speed (at least 10 mph above the maximum proposed operating
speed) and target test and operating conditions and conduct a test
program sufficient to evaluate the operating limits of the track and
equipment. The test program shall demonstrate vehicle dynamic response
as speeds are incrementally increased from acceptable class 6 limits to
the target maximum test speeds. The test shall be suspended at that
speed where any of the vehicle/track performance limits in Sec. 213.333
are exceeded.
(d) At the end of the test, when maximum safe operating speed is
known along with permissible levels of cant deficiency, an additional
run will be made with the subject equipment over the entire route
proposed for revenue service at the speeds the railroad will request
FRA to approve for such service and a second run again at 10 mph above
this speed. A report of the test procedures and results shall be
submitted to FRA upon the completions of the tests. The test report
shall include the design flange angle of the equipment which shall be
used for the determination of the lateral to vertical wheel load safety
limit for the track/vehicle performance measurements required per
Sec. 213.333(k).
(e) As part of the submittal required in paragraph (d) of the
section, the operator will include an analysis and description of the
signal system and operating practices to govern operations in classes
7, 8 and 9. This statement will include a statement of sufficiency in
these areas for the class of operation.
(f) Based on test results and submissions, FRA will approve a
maximum train speed and value of cant deficiency for revenue service.
Sec. 213.347 Automotive or railroad crossings at grade.
(a) No at-grade (level) crossings, public or private, or rigid
railroad crossings at-grade may coexist with class 8 and 9 track.
(b) If train operation is projected at class 7 speed for a track
segment that will include rail-highway grade crossings, the track owner
shall submit for FRA's approval a complete description of the proposed
warning/barrier system to address the protection of highway traffic and
high speed trains.
Sec. 213.349 Rail end mismatch.
Any mismatch of rails at joints may not be more than that
prescribed by the following table--
[[Page 36185]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any mismatch of
rails at joints
may not be more
than the
following
-----------------
Class of track On the
On the gage
tread side of
of the the
rail rail
ends ends
(inch) (inch)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 6, 7, 8 and 9................................... \1/8\ \1/8\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 213.351 Rail joints.
(a) Each rail joint, insulated joint, and compromise joint must be
of a structurally sound design and dimensions for the rail on which it
is applied.
(b) If a joint bar is cracked, broken, or because of wear allows
excessive vertical movement of either rail when all bolts are tight, it
must be replaced.
(c) If a joint bar is cracked or broken between the middle two bolt
holes it must be replaced.
(d) Each rail must be bolted with at least two bolts at each joint.
(e) Each joint bar must be held in position by track bolts
tightened to allow the joint bar to firmly support the abutting rail
ends and to allow longitudinal movement of the rail in the joint to
accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature variations.
When no-slip, joint-to-rail contact exists by design, the requirements
of this section do not apply. Those locations, when over 400 feet long,
are considered to be continuous welded rail track and must meet all the
requirements for continuous welded rail track prescribed in this
subpart.
(f) No rail shall have a bolt hole which is torch cut or burned.
(g) No joint bar shall be reconfigured by torch cutting.
Sec. 213.352 Torch cut rail
(a) Except as a temporary repair in emergency situations no rail
having a torch cut end shall be used. When a rail end is torch cut in
emergency situations, speed over that rail must not exceed the maximum
allowable for Class 2 track. For existing torch cut rail ends the
following shall apply--
(1) Within six months of [the effective date of the final rule],
all torch cut rail ends in Class 6 track must be removed.
(2) For class 7, 8, and 9 track, speeds shall be reduced to class 6
until the torch cut rail is replaced.
(b) Following the expiration of the time limits specified in
paragraph a of this section, any torch cut rail end not removed must be
removed within 30 days of discovery. Speed over that rail must not
exceed the maximum allowable for Class 2 track until removed.
Sec. 213.353 Turnouts and crossovers, generally.
(a) In turnouts and track crossings, the fastenings must be intact
and maintained so as to keep the components securely in place. Also,
each switch, frog, and guard rail must be kept free of obstructions
that may interfere with the passage of wheels. Use of rigid rail
crossings at grade is limited per Sec. 213.347.
(b) Track must be equipped with rail anchoring through and on each
side of track crossings and turnouts, to restrain rail movement
affecting the position of switch points and frogs. Elastic fasteners
designed to restrict longitudinal rail movement are considered rail
anchoring.
(c) Each flangeway at turnouts and track crossings must be at least
1\1/2\ inches wide.
(d) For all turnouts and crossovers, the track owner shall prepare
an inspection and maintenance Guidebook for use by railroad employees
which shall be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration. The
Guidebook shall contain at a minimum--
(1) Inspection frequency and methodology including limiting
measurement values for all components subject to wear or requiring
adjustment.
(2) Maintenance techniques.
(e) Each hand operated switch must be equipped with a redundant
operating mechanism for maintaining the security of switch point
position.
Sec. 213.355 Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage.
The guard check and guard face gages in frogs must be within the
limits prescribed in the following table --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guard Guard
check face
gage,\3\ gage,\4\
Class of track may not may not
be less be more
than than
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 6 track..................................... 4' 6\1/
2\'' 4' 5''
Class 7 track..................................... 4' 6\1/
2\'' 4' 5''
Class 8 track..................................... 4' 6\1/
2\'' 4' 5''
Class 9 track..................................... 4' 6\1/
2\'' 4' 5''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A line along that side of the flangeway which is nearer to the
center of the track and at the same elevation as the gage line.
\2\ A line \5/8\ inch below the top of the center line of the head of
the running rail, or corresponding location of the tread portion of
the track structure.
\3\ The distance between the gage line of a frog to the guard line \1\
of its guard rail or guarding face, measured across the track at right
angles to the gage line.
\4\ The distance between guard lines \1\, measured across the track at
right angles to the gage line.
Sec. 213.357 Derails.
(a) All industrial or other sidetracks connecting with classes 7, 8
and 9 main tracks shall be equipped with functioning derails of the
correct size and type unless railroad equipment on the track, because
of grade characteristics cannot move to foul the main track.
(b) Each derail must be clearly visible. When in a locked position
a derail must be free of any lost motion which would prevent it from
performing its intended function.
(c) Each derail must be maintained to function as intended.
(d) Each derail must be properly installed for the rail to which it
is applied.
(e) If a track protected by a derail is occupied by standing
railroad rolling stock, the derail shall be in derailing position.
(f) Each derail shall be interlocked with the signal system so as
to produce a maximally restrictive signal aspect if the device is not
deployed in a completely functional position.
Sec. 213.359 Track stiffness.
(a) Track shall have a sufficient vertical strength to withstand
the maximum vehicle loads generated at maximum permissible train
speeds, cant deficiencies and surface defects. For purposes of this
section, vertical track strength is defined as the track capacity to
constrain vertical deformations so that the track shall return
following maximum load to a configuration in compliance with the track
performance and geometry requirements of this subpart.
(b) Track shall have sufficient lateral strength to withstand the
maximum thermal and vehicle loads generated at maximum permissible
train speeds, cant deficiencies and lateral alignment defects. For
purposes of this section lateral track strength is defined as the track
capacity to constrain lateral deformations so that track shall return
following maximum load to a configuration in compliance with the track
performance and geometry requirements of this subpart.
Sec. 213.361 Right of Way
The track owner in class 8 and 9 shall submit a barrier plan,
termed a ``right-of-way plan,'' to the Federal Railroad Administration
for approval. At a minimum, the plan will contain provisions in areas
of demonstrated need for the prevention of-
(a) Vandalism;
[[Page 36186]]
(b) Launching of objects from overhead bridges or structures into
the path of trains; and
(c) Intrusion of vehicles from adjacent rights of way.
Sec. 213.365 Visual inspections.
(a) All track must be visually inspected in accordance with the
schedule prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section by a person
designated under Sec. 213.305.
(b) Each inspection must be made on foot or by riding over the
track in a vehicle at a speed that allows the person making the
inspection to visually inspect the track structure for compliance with
this part. However, mechanical, electrical, and other track inspection
devices may be used to supplement visual inspection. If a vehicle is
used for visual inspection, the speed of the vehicle may not be more
than 5 miles per hour when passing over track crossings and turnouts,
otherwise, the inspection vehicle speed shall be at the sole discretion
of the inspector, based on track conditions and inspection
requirements. When riding over the track in a vehicle, the inspection
will be subject to the following conditions--
(1) One inspector in a vehicle may inspect up to two tracks at one
time provided that the inspector's visibility remains unobstructed by
any cause and that the second track is not centered more than 30 feet
from the track upon which the inspector is riding;
(2) Two inspectors in one vehicle may inspect up to four tracks at
a time provided that the inspector's visibility remains unobstructed by
any cause and that each track being inspected is centered within 39
feet from the track upon which the inspectors are riding;
(3) Each main track is actually traversed by the vehicle or
inspected on foot at least once every two weeks, and each siding is
actually traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot at least once
every month. On high density commuter railroad lines where track time
does not permit an on track vehicle inspection, and where track centers
are 15 foot or less, the requirements of this paragraph (b)(3) will not
apply; and
(4) Track inspection records must indicate which track(s) are
traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot as outlined in paragraph
(b)(3) of this section.
(c) Each track inspection must be made in accordance with the
following schedule--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of track Required frequency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6, 7, and 8............................... Twice weekly with at least 2
calendar-day's interval
between inspections.
9......................................... Three times per week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) If the person making the inspection finds a deviation from the
requirements of this part, the person shall immediately initiate
remedial action.
(e) Each turnout and crossover must be inspected on foot at least
weekly. The inspection must be in accordance with the Guidebook
required under Sec. 213.353.
(f) In track classes 8 and 9, if no train traffic operates for a
period of 8 hours, a train shall be operated at a speed not to exceed
100 miles per hour over the track before the resumption of operations
at the maximum authorized speed.
Sec. 213.367 Special inspections.
In the event of fire, flood, severe storm, temperature extremes or
other occurrence which might have damaged track structure, a special
inspection must be made of the track involved as soon as possible after
the occurrence.
Sec. 213.369 Inspection records.
(a) Each owner of track to which this part applies shall keep a
record of each inspection required to be performed on that track under
this subpart.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, each
record of an inspection under Sec. 213.365 shall be prepared on the day
the inspection is made and signed by the person making the inspection.
Records must specify the track inspected, date of inspection, location
and nature of any deviation from the requirements of this part, and the
remedial action taken by the person making the inspection. The owner
shall designate the location(s) where each original record shall be
maintained for at least one year after the inspection covered by the
record. The owner shall also designate one location, within 100 miles
of each state in which they conduct operations, where copies of record
which apply to those operations are either maintained or can be viewed
following 10 days notice by the Federal Railroad Administration.
(c) Rail inspection records must specify the date of inspection,
the location and nature of any internal defects found, the remedial
action taken and the date thereof, and the location of any intervals of
track not tested per Sec. 213.339(d). The owner shall retain a rail
inspection record for at least two years after the inspection and for
one year after remedial action is taken.
(d) Each owner required to keep inspection records under this
section shall make those records available for inspection and copying
by the Federal Railroad Administrator.
(e) For purposes of compliance with the requirements of this
section, an owner of track may maintain and transfer records through
electronic transmission, storage, and retrieval provided that--
(1) The electronic system be designed such that the integrity of
each record maintained through appropriate levels of security such as
recognition of an electronic signature, or other means, which uniquely
identify the initiating person as the author of that record. No two
persons shall have the same electronic identity;
(2) The electronic storage of each record must be initiated by the
person making the inspection within 24 hours following the completion
of that inspection;
(3) The electronic system must ensure that each record cannot be
modified in any way, or replaced, once the record is transmitted and
stored;
(4) Any amendment to a record must be electronically stored apart
from the record which it amends. Each amendment to a record must be
uniquely identified as to the person making the amendment;
(5) The electronic system must provide for the maintenance of
inspection records as originally submitted without corruption or loss
of data; and
(6) Paper copies of electronic records and amendments to those
records, that may be necessary to document compliance with this part,
must be made available for inspection and copying by the FRA and track
inspectors responsible under Sec. 213.305. Such paper copies shall be
made available to the track inspectors and at the locations specified
in paragraph (b) of this section.
(7) Track inspection records shall be kept available to persons who
performed the inspection and to persons performing subsequent
inspections.
(f) Each Track/Vehicle Performance record required under
Sec. 213.333 (g), and (m) shall be made available for inspection and
copying by the FRA at the locations specified in paragraph (b) of this
section.
Appendix A to Part 213--Maximum Allowable Curving Speeds
[[Page 36187]]
Table 1.--Three Inches Unbalance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elevation of outer rail (inches)
Degree of curvature -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 \1/2\ 1 1\1/2\ 2 2\1/2\ 3 3\1/2\ 4 4\1/2\ 5 \1/2\ 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(12)Maximum allowable operating speed (mph)
0 deg.30'....................................... 93 100 107 113 120 125 131 136 141 146 151 156 160
0 deg.40'....................................... 80 87 93 98 103 109 113 118 122 127 131 135 139
0 deg.50'....................................... 72 78 83 88 93 97 101 106 110 113 117 121 124
1 deg.00'....................................... 66 71 76 80 85 89 93 96 100 104 107 110 113
1 deg.15'....................................... 59 63 68 72 76 79 83 86 89 93 96 99 101
1 deg.30'....................................... 54 58 62 66 69 72 76 79 82 85 87 90 93
1 deg.45'....................................... 50 54 57 61 64 67 70 73 76 78 81 83 86
2 deg.00'....................................... 46 50 54 57 60 63 66 68 71 73 76 78 80
2 deg.15'....................................... 44 47 50 54 56 59 62 64 67 69 71 74 76
2 deg.30'....................................... 41 45 48 51 54 56 59 61 63 66 68 70 72
2 deg.45'....................................... 40 43 46 48 51 54 56 58 60 62 65 66 68
3 deg.00'....................................... 38 41 44 46 49 51 54 56 58 60 62 64 66
3 deg.15'....................................... 36 39 42 45 47 49 51 54 56 57 59 61 63
3 deg.30'....................................... 35 38 40 43 45 47 50 52 54 55 57 59 61
3 deg.45'....................................... 34 37 39 41 44 46 48 50 52 54 55 57 59
4 deg.00'....................................... 33 35 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 55 57
4 deg.30'....................................... 31 33 36 38 40 42 44 45 47 49 50 52 54
5 deg.00'....................................... 29 32 34 36 38 40 41 43 45 46 48 49 41
5 deg.30'....................................... 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 41 43 44 46 47 48
6 deg.00'....................................... 27 29 31 33 35 36 38 39 41 42 44 45 46
6 deg.30'....................................... 26 28 30 31 33 35 36 38 39 41 42 43 45
7 deg.00'....................................... 25 27 29 30 32 34 35 36 38 39 40 42 43
8 deg.00'....................................... 23 25 27 28 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 40
9 deg.00'....................................... 22 24 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38
10 deg.00'...................................... 21 22 24 25 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36
11 deg.00'...................................... 20 21 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
12 deg.00'...................................... 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2.--Four Inches Unbalance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elevation of outer rail (inches)
Degree of curvature --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 \1/2\ 1 1\1/2\ 2 2\1/2\ 3 3\1/2\ 4 4\1/2\ 5 5\1/2\ 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(12) Maximun allowable operating
speed (mph)
0 deg.30'.......................... 107 113 120 125 131 136 141 146 151 156 160 165 169
0 deg.40'.......................... 93 98 104 109 113 118 122 127 131 135 139 143 146
0 deg.50'.......................... 83 88 93 97 101 106 110 113 117 121 124 128 131
1 deg.00'.......................... 76 80 85 89 93 96 100 104 107 110 113 116 120
1 deg.15'.......................... 68 72 76 79 83 86 89 93 96 99 101 104 107
1 deg.30'.......................... 62 65 69 72 76 79 82 85 87 90 93 95 98
1 deg.45'.......................... 57 61 64 67 70 73 76 78 81 83 86 88 90
2 deg.00'.......................... 53 57 60 63 65 68 71 73 76 78 80 82 85
2 deg.15'.......................... 50 53 56 59 62 64 67 69 71 73 76 78 80
2 deg.30'.......................... 48 51 53 56 59 61 63 65 68 70 72 74 76
2 deg.45'.......................... 46 48 51 53 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72
3 deg.00'.......................... 44 46 49 51 53 56 58 60 62 64 65 67 69
3 deg.15'.......................... 42 44 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 66
3 deg.30'.......................... 40 43 45 47 49 52 53 55 57 59 61 62 64
3 deg.45'.......................... 39 41 44 46 48 50 52 53 55 57 59 60 62
4 deg.00'.......................... 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 53 55 57 58 60
4 deg.30'.......................... 36 38 40 42 44 45 47 49 50 52 53 55 56
5 deg.00'.......................... 34 36 38 40 41 43 45 46 48 49 51 52 53
5 deg.30'.......................... 32 34 36 38 39 41 43 44 46 47 48 50 51
6 deg.00'.......................... 31 33 35 36 38 39 41 42 44 45 46 48 49
6 deg.30'.......................... 30 31 33 35 36 38 39 41 42 43 44 46 47
7 deg.00'.......................... 29 30 32 34 35 36 38 39 40 42 43 44 45
8 deg.00'.......................... 27 28 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42
9 deg.00'.......................... 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40
10 deg.00'......................... 24 25 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
11 deg.00'......................... 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
12 deg.00'......................... 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 36188]]
Appendix B to Part 1213.--Schedule of Civil Penalties \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willful
Section Violation violation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart A--General:
213.4(a) Excepted track \2\............... $2,500 $5,000
213.4(b) Excepted track \2\............... 2,500 5,000
213.4(c) Excepted track \2\............... 2,500 5,000
213.4(d) Excepted track................... 2,500 5,000
213.4(e):
1, Excepted track..................... 5,000 7,500
2, Excepted track..................... 7,000 10,000
3, Excepted track..................... 7,000 10,000
213.7 Designation of qualified persons to
supervise certain renewals and inspect
track.................................... 1,000 2,000
213.9 classes or track:
Operating speed limits................ 2,500 5,000
213.11 Restoration or renewal of track
under traffic conditions................. 2,500 5,000
213.13 Measuring track not under load..... 1,000 2,000
Subpart B--Roadbed:
213.33 Drainage........................... 2,500 5,000
213.37 Vegetation......................... 1,000 2,000
Subpart C--Track geometry:
213.53 Gage............................... 5,000 7,500
213.55 Alinement.......................... 5,000 7,500
213.57 Curves: elevation and speed
limitations.............................. 2,500 5,000
213.59 Elevation of curved track; runoff.. 2,500 5,000
213.63 Track surface...................... 5,000 7,500
Subpart D--Track surface:
213.103 Ballast; general.................. 2,500 5,000
213.109 Crossties:
(a) Material used..................... 1,000 2,000
(b) Distribution of ties.............. 2,500 5,000
(c) Sufficient number of nondefective
ties................................. 1,000 2,000
(d) Joint ties........................ 2,500 5,000
213.113 Defective rails................... 5,000 7,500
213.115 Rail end mismatch................. 2,500 5,000
213.121(a) Rail joints.................... 2,500 5,000
213,121(b) Rail joints.................... 2,500 5,000
213.121(c) Rail joints.................... 5,000 7,500
213.121(d) Rail joints.................... 2,500 5,000
213.121(e) Rail joints.................... 2,500 5,000
213.121(f) Rail joints.................... 2,500 5,000
213.121(g) Rail joints.................... 5,000 7,500
213.123 Tie plates........................ 1,000 2,000
213.127 Track spikes...................... 2,500 5,000
213.133 Turnouts and track crossings
generally................................ 1,000 2,000
213.135 Switches:
(a) Through (g)....................... 2,500 5,000
(h) Chipped or worn points............ 5,000 7,500
213.137 Frogs............................. 2,500 5,000
213.139 Spring rail frogs................. 5,000 7,500
213.141 Self-guarded frogs................ 2,500 5,000
213.143 Frog guard rails and guard faces;
gage..................................... 2,500 5,000
Subpart E--Track appliances and track-related
devices:
213.205 Derails........................... 2,500 5,000
Subpart F--Inspection:
213.233 Track Inspections................. 2,000 4,000
213.235 Switch and track crossings
inspection............................... 2,000 4,000
213.237 Inspection of rail................ 2,500 5,000
213.239 Special inspections............... 2,500 5,000
213.241 Inspection records................ 1,000 2,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A penalty may be assessed against an individual only for a willful
violation. The Administrator reserves the right to assess a penalty of
up to $20,000 for any violation where circumstances warrant. See 49
CFR Part 209, Appendix A.
\2\ In addition to assessment of penalties for each instance of
noncompliance with the requirements identified by this footnote, track
segments designated as excepted track that are or become ineligible
for such designation by virtue of noncompliance with any of the
requirements to which this footnote applies are subject to all other
requirements of Part 212 until such noncompliance is remedied.
[[Page 36189]]
Issued in Washington, D.C. on June 19, 1997.
Donald M. Itzkoff,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 97-16663 Filed 7-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-M