FRA Scraps Old Track Surface Rule to Cut Red Tape
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 28, 2026, the Federal Railroad Administration is scrapping a track surface rule called the runoff parameter for tracks Classes 1 through 5. This change affects railroad companies and workers by removing a redundant safety rule since other rules already cover the same safety concerns. It’s a smart move to cut clutter without spending extra money or risking safety.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Runoff Parameter Repealed May 28, 2026
Starting May 28, 2026, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) removes the “runoff” parameter from 49 CFR 213.63 track surface limits for track Classes 1 through 5. This eliminates the requirement to measure and meet that specific 31-foot runoff metric and reduces the regulatory burden on track owners who previously had to measure and comply with that parameter.
Inspectors Keep Authority; Inspections Continue
FRA says repealing the runoff parameter does not limit an FRA inspector’s ability to take enforcement action for unsafe track conditions under 49 CFR part 213. FRA will continue field inspections and automated track inspections to oversee track safety after the repeal.
Small Entities Get Regulatory Relief
FRA certifies the final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and says many regulated entities, including small entities, will experience cost savings from eliminating the runoff requirement. The agency treats this as a deregulatory action under Executive Order 14192.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in