HR 7784
Secure Tracks Act
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Bill overview
The Secure Tracks Act aims to improve railroad safety by establishing more frequent and detailed requirements for inspecting train tracks. It mandates that main lines be visually inspected at least twice per week and requires immediate correction of any safety defects. The bill also introduces new automated inspection requirements using Track Geometry Measurement Systems (TGMS) for various track classifications, increasing inspection frequency based on track size and operations. Furthermore, it restricts the Secretary of Transportation’s ability to waive safety regulations that don’t adequately detect track defects.
Key provisions
- Increases the frequency of visual track inspections to at least twice per week for main lines.
- Requires immediate remediation of any track defects or unsafe conditions.
- Establishes new automated inspection requirements using Track Geometry Measurement Systems (TGMS) for various track classifications.
- Specifies minimum TGMS inspection frequencies based on track size and annual gross tonnages.
- Prohibits waivers that reduce safety coverage related to track inspections.
- Defines key terms related to track classifications and inspection methods.
- Requires updates to regulations regarding TGMS inspections within one year of enactment.
- Mandates immediate correction of deviations found during inspections.
Who is affected
- Railroad companies
- Federal Railroad Administration
- Department of Transportation
- Freight and passenger rail operators
- Government agencies responsible for rail safety
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 7784
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish requirements regarding visual and automated track inspections, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Secure Tracks Act
.
immediately initiate remedial action; and
have the sole authority to authorize any subsequent movements to facilitate repairs on track that is out of service.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall update subparts F and G of part 213 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to require that a Track Geometry Measurement System operate over the following track classifications at the following frequencies and be subject to the following requirements regarding TGMS inspections:
For operations at a qualified cant deficiency (Eu) of more than 5 inches on Classes 1 through 5 track, at least 4 times per calendar year, with at least 43 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 1 track operating more than 15,000,000 gross tons annually, at least once per calendar year, with at least 170 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 2 track—
operating 15,000,000 or fewer gross tons annually, at least once per calendar year, with at least 170 days elapsing between TGMS inspections; and
operating more than 15,000,000 gross tons annually, at least twice per calendar year, with at least 120 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 3 track—
operating 15,000,000 or fewer gross tons annually, at least twice per calendar year, with at least 120 days elapsing between TGMS inspections; and
operating more than 15,000,000 gross tons annually, at least 3 times per calendar year, with at least 90 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 4 track—
operating 15,000,000 or fewer gross tons annually, at least 3 times per calendar year, with at least 90 days elapsing between TGMS inspections; and
operating more than 15,000,000 gross tons annually, at least 4 times per calendar year, with at least 43 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 5 track, at least 4 times per calendar year, with at least 43 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 6 and Class 7 track, at least twice during any 120-day period, with at least 25 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 8 track, at least twice during any 60-day period, with at least 12 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For Class 9 track, at least twice during any 30-day period, with at least 6 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
For crossovers where the track speed is more than 30 miles per hour, at least twice per calendar year, with at least 120 days elapsing between TGMS inspections.
In this section: