US: Vehicle/Track Interaction Safety Standards; High-Speed and High Cant Deficiency Operations

Office of the Federal Register, The State of Washington has issued the following news release:

Action

Final Rule. Summary

FRA is amending the Track Safety Standards and Passenger Equipment Safety Standards to promote the safe interaction of rail vehicles with the track over which they operate under a variety of conditions at speeds up to 220 m.p.h. The final rule revises standards for track geometry and safety limits for vehicle response to track conditions, enhances vehicle/track qualification procedures, and adds flexibility for permitting high cant deficiency train operations through curves at conventional speeds. The rule accounts for a range of vehicle types that are currently in operation, as well as vehicle types that may likely be used in future high-speed or high cant deficiency rail operations, or both. The rule is based on the results of simulation studies designed to identify track geometry irregularities associated with unsafe wheel/rail forces and accelerations, thorough reviews of vehicle qualification and revenue service test data, and consideration of international practices. Unified Agenda Vehicle/Track Interaction Safety Standards; High-Speed and High Cant Deficiency Operations

3 actions from May 10th, 2010 to April 2012

May 10th, 2010 NPRM 75 FR 25928 July 9th, 2010 NPRM Comment Period End April 2012 Final Rule

Table of Contents Back to Top

DATES: ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION I. Executive Summary II. Statutory Background A. Track Safety Standards B. Passenger Equipment Safety Standards III. Proceedings to Date A. Proceedings To Carry Out the 1992/1994 Track Safety Standards Rulemaking Mandates B. Proceedings To Carry Out the 1994 Passenger Equipment Safety Standards Rulemaking Mandate C. Identification of Key Issues for Future Rulemaking D. RSAC Overview E. Establishment of the Passenger Safety Working Group F. Establishment of the Task Force G. Development of the NPRM H. Development of the Final Rule IV. Technical Background A. Lessons Learned and Operational Experience Differentiate Between Sustained Oscillatory and Transient Carbody Acceleration Events Establish Consistent Requirements for High Cant Deficiency Operations for All Track Classes Streamline Testing Requirements for Similar Vehicles Refine Criteria for Detecting Truck Hunting Revise Periodic Monitoring Requirements for Class 8 and 9 Track B. Research and Computer Modeling V. Discussion of Specific Comments and Conclusions A. EU and SNCF Comments on Track Geometry Standards B. Wheel Unloading From Wind on Superelevated Curves VI. Section-by-Section Analysis Proposed Amendments to 49 CFR Part 213, Track Safety Standards Subpart A—General Section 213.1Scope of Part Section 213.7Designation of Qualified Persons to Supervise Certain Renewals and Inspect Track Section 213.14Application of Requirements to Curved Track Subpart C—Track Geometry Section 213.55—Track Alinement Section 213.57Curves; Elevation and Speed Limitations Section 213.59Elevation of Curved Track; Runoff Section 213.63Track Surface Section 213.65Combined Track Alinement and Surface Deviations Section 213.110Gage Restraint Measurement Systems Subpart G—Train Operations at Track Classes 6 and Higher Section 213.305Designation of Qualified Individuals; General Qualifications Section 213.307Classes of Track: Operating Speed Limits Section 213.313Application of Requirements to Curved Track Section 213.323Track Gage Section 213.327Track Alinement Section 213.329Curves; Elevation and Speed Limitations Section 213.331Track Surface Section 213.332Combined Track Alinement and Surface Deviations Section 213.333Automated Vehicle-Based Inspection Systems Section 213.345Vehicle/Track System Qualification Section 213.355Frog Guard Rails and Guard Faces; Gage Appendix A to Part 213—Maximum Allowable Curving Speeds Appendix B to Part 213—Schedule of Civil Penalties Appendix D to Part 213—Minimally Compliant Analytical Track (MCAT) Simulations Used for Qualifying Vehicles To Operate at High Speeds and at High Cant Deficiencies Proposed Amendments to 49 CFR Part 238, Passenger Equipment Safety Standards Subpart C—Specific Requirements for Tier I Passenger Equipment Section 238.227Suspension System Subpart E—Specific Requirements for Tier II Passenger Equipment Section 238.427Suspension System Section 238.428Overheat Sensors Appendix A to Part 238—Schedule of Civil Penalties Appendix C to Part 238—Suspension System Safety Performance Standards VII. Regulatory Impact and Notices A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures Benefits: Equipment Procurement Benefits: High Cant Deficiency Benefits: Streamlined Testing Requirements Benefits: Other Costs: Track Maintenance Costs: Programming Total Costs Net Benefits B. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272 C. Paperwork Reduction Act D. Federalism Implications E. Environmental Impact F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 G. Energy Impact H. Trade Impact I. Privacy Act List of Subjects The Rule PART 213—[AMENDED] Subpart A—General Subpart C—Track Geometry Subpart D—Track Structure Subpart G—Train Operations at Track Classes 6 and Higher Appendix A to Part 213—Maximum Allowable Curving Speeds Appendix B to Part 213—Schedule of Civil Penalties Appendix D to Part 213—Minimally Compliant Analytical Track (MCAT) Simulations Used for Qualifying Vehicles To Operate at High Speeds and at High Cant Deficiencies PART 238—[AMENDED] Subpart C—Specific Requirements for Tier I Passenger Equipment Subpart E—Specific Requirements for Tier II Passenger Equipment Appendix A to Part 238—Schedule of Civil Penalties 1 2 Appendix C to Part 238 [Removed and Reserved] Footnotes