Secure Tracks Act

More frequent rail track inspections

This bill would require main line track used at Class 3 speeds or higher to be visually inspected by a qualified inspector at least twice each week, with at least one calendar day between inspections. Any defect found by an inspector or by a machine would have to be fixed, protected, or removed from service immediately, and the qualified inspector would have sole authority to allow movements needed to repair out-of-service track. Within one year after enactment, the Secretary would have to update rules to require Track Geometry Measurement Systems to run on specified track classes on set schedules (including rules that use a 15,000,000 gross tons threshold, crossover speeds over 30 mph, and special timing when cant deficiency Eu > 5 inches). The bill would also bar the Secretary from approving waivers that let alternative inspection methods miss defect conditions the FRA recognizes as unsafe and would define key terms by reference to FRA rules as of January 1, 2026.