Rail Integrity and Track Safety Standards

FRA is revising its regulations, 49 CFR part 213, governing the minimum safety requirements for railroad track. The changes include allowing inspection of rail using continuous rail testing; allowing the use of flange-bearing frogs in crossing diamonds; relaxing the guard check gage limits on heavy-point frogs used in Class 5 track; removing an inspection-method exception for high-density commuter lines; and other miscellaneous revisions. Overall, the information collection associated with this part is used by FRA to ensure and enhance rail safety by monitoring complete compliance with all regulatory requirements. The information collected and reviewed by FRA as a result of the Track Safety Standards enhance rail safety by ensuring that track owners designate only qualified persons to inspect and maintain track and to supervise restorations and renewals of track under traffic conditions. This, in turn, will help to reduce the number of accidents/incidents and corresponding injuries, deaths, and property damage. This information also helps railroads address and correct track problems and provides invaluable information in the event of a train derailment, collision, or other train accident/incident. This information collection is mandatory, submitted as needed, and there is a requirement for recordkeeping.

The latest form for Rail Integrity and Track Safety Standards expires 2023-12-31 and can be found here.