Federal Register #FRA-2025-0126

FRA Final Rule Expanding Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variation and Codifying Brake System Waivers

This final rule from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation, updates locomotive safety regulations impacting railroad operations and equipment standards. - Government Buyer: - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation - Motive Power & Equipment Division - OEMs and Industry Stakeholders: - General Electric (GE) is highlighted as the original equipment manufacturer for AC locomotives (models AC4400CW, ES44AC, ET44AC) - Union Pacific Railroad petitioned for the rule change - American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) supported the rule - Products/Services Affected: - Locomotive wheel sets with AC traction motors and individual axle control technology - Brake system maintenance and inspection requirements for passenger and freight rail equipment - Technical Changes: - Maximum permitted variation in wheel set diameter increased to 1.5 inches for powered axles on newer AC locomotives - Existing 1.25-inch limit maintained for other locomotives - Codification of waivers for brake system maintenance and inspection, reflecting advancements in brake technology - Notable Requirements: - Rule aims to reduce locomotive downtime and extend wheel life without compromising safety - No procurement of products or services; this is a regulatory change affecting equipment standards - Supported by technical analysis from GE and industry stakeholders

Description

This final rule issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) amends locomotive safety regulations to expand the maximum permitted variation in diameter for locomotive wheel sets using alternating current technology. The rule responds to a 2019 petition from a Class I railroad and incorporates innovations in traction motor control. It allows a 112-inch maximum variation for wheel sets on newer locomotives equipped with AC traction motors that utilize individual truck or single axle control technology, while maintaining existing limits for other locomotives. The rule aims to reduce locomotive out-of-service time and increase wheel life without impacting safety.

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