FRA PROPOSES TO REVISE ITS REGULATIONS FOR MINIMUM TRACK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Janet H. Gilbert

FRA’s  proposed changes for track safety include: (1) allowing rail inspection using continuous rail testing and subsequent field verification within a specified period in lieu of “stop and verify” inspection; (2) incorporating in Part213 two existing waivers regarding track frogs to allow the use of flange-bearing frogs in crossing diamonds and relaxing the guard check gage limits on heavy-point frogs used in Class 5 track; (3) removing an inspection-method exception for high-density commuter lines contained in 49 CFR 213.233(b)(3); and (4) other miscellaneous revisions, including revising qualification requirements for certain railroad employees and adjusting recordkeeping requirements.

Written comments must be received by March 2, 2020. Comments can be submitted via the  Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov; via Mail at: Docket Management Facility, U.S. DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, W12–140, Washington, DC 20590; via Hand Delivery  at The Docket Management Facility, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor,

U.S. DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC. Or via Fax at 202–493–2251.

The Notice can be found here.