Federal Register #2026-08245

FRA Repeals Runoff Parameter from Track Surface Requirements for Classes 1-5

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Transportation Department, has issued a final rule change affecting railroad track owners and operators: - The rule repeals the runoff parameter from track surface requirements for track Classes 1 through 5 - FRA determined the runoff parameter is redundant due to existing geometry requirements that address the same safety concerns - No products, services, or procurement actions are involved - No OEMs, vendors, part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified - The change is regulatory, aiming to reduce compliance burden while maintaining safety standards - All relevant railroad track owners and operators must comply with the revised regulations

Description

This final rule repeals the runoff parameter from the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) track surface requirements for track Classes 1 through 5. FRA determined that other geometry requirements in its regulations already address the same safety issues that the runoff parameter was intended to cover. The rule aims to reduce regulatory burden and eliminate redundant safety requirements while maintaining overall track safety standards. The rule is effective May 28, 2026, and follows a review process including public comments and regulatory analysis.

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