(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on September 2, 2010.)
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding concrete crossties, according to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s latest “Views & News” newsletter.
The FRA proposes to amend federal track safety standards to boost the safety of railroad operations over track featuring concrete ties. The rulemaking would set specific requirements for concrete ties, rail fastening systems connected to such ties and automated inspections of track constructed with the ties. In addition, the rulemaking would remove a provision on pre-emptive effect.
The FRA will accept comments on the proposed rulemaking until Oct. 12.