Railroads Scrap Useless Track Rule for Easier Compliance
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. No extra costs or delays are expected, making rail travel just as safe but simpler to manage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Runoff Rule Repealed; Compliance Costs Cut
Starting May 28, 2026, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) removes the runoff parameter from 49 CFR 213.63(a) for track Classes 1 through 5. The rule eliminates the need for track owners to measure and meet the 31-foot runoff parameter, which FRA says reduces regulatory burden and provides cost savings to regulated entities, including small railroads.
FRA Says Rail Safety Will Be Maintained
FRA states the repeal does not reduce safety because other geometry limits (profile, crosslevel, warp) already address the same hazards, and profile is measured over 62 feet while runoff was measured over 31 feet. FRA finalizes the change while saying rail travel will remain as safe under existing rules.
Inspectors Keep Enforcement; Inspections Continue
FRA clarifies that removing the runoff parameter does not limit an FRA inspector's authority to cite unsafe track conditions outside numeric thresholds, and FRA will continue field and automated inspections and oversight after May 28, 2026. Inspectors are expected to act before geometry reaches limits if they are concerned conditions may worsen.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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