C.F.R. » Title 49 » CHAPTER II—FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › PART 213—TRACK SAFETY STANDARDS › Subpart C—Track Geometry

49 C.F.R. § 213.55

Track alinement

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(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, alinement may not deviate from uniformity more than the amount prescribed in the following table:

Class of trackTangent trackCurved track
The deviation of the mid-offset from a 62-foot line 1 may not be more than—(inches)The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 31-foot chord 2 may not be more than—(inches)The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 62-foot chord 2 may not be more than—(inches)
Class 1 track53 N/A5
Class 2 track33 N/A3
Class 3 track13⁄411⁄413⁄4
Class 4 track11⁄2111⁄2
Class 5 track3⁄41⁄25⁄8
1 The ends of the line shall be at points on the gage side of the line rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead. Either rail may be used as the line rail; however, the same rail shall be used for the full length of that tangential segment of the track.
2 The ends of the chord shall be at points on the gage side of the outer rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead.
3 N/A—Not Applicable

(b) For operations at a qualified cant deficiency, Eu, of more than 5 inches, the alinement of the outside rail of the curve may not deviate from uniformity more than the amount prescribed in the following table:

Class of trackCurved track
The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 31-foot chord 1 may not be more than—(inches)The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 62-foot chord 1 may not be more than—(inches)
Class 1 track 23 N/A11⁄4
Class 2 track 23 N/A11⁄4
Class 3 track3⁄411⁄4
Class 4 track3⁄47⁄8
Class 5 track1⁄25⁄8
1 The ends of the chord shall be at points on the gage side of the outer rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead.
2 Restraining rails or other systems may be required for derailment prevention.
3 N/A—Not Applicable
[78 FR 16100, Mar. 13, 2013]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2013–2019 · leading case: CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Sebree, 924 F.3d 276 (6th Cir. 2019).
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CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Sebree, 924 F.3d 276 (6th Cir. 2019). “63 (regulating track surface); 49 C.F.R. § 213.55 (providing track alinement may not deviate from uniformity more than prescribed amounts).”
Cowden v. BNSF Ry. Co., 975 F. Supp. 2d 1005 (E.D. Mo. 2013). “Defendant also notes — and Plaintiff admits — Plaintiff has never alleged any violation of 49 C.F.R. § 213.55 , which pertains to track alinement.”
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