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Title 49

Displaying title 49, up to date as of 10/09/2026. Title 49 was last amended 10/09/2026.
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§ 213.55 Track alinement.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, alinement may not deviate from uniformity more than the amount prescribed in the following table:

Class of track Tangent track Curved track
The deviation of the mid-offset from a 62-foot line 1 may not be more than—(inches) The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 31-foot chord 2 may not be more than—(inches) The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 62-foot chord 2 may not be more than—(inches)
Class 1 track 5 3 N/A 5
Class 2 track 3 3 N/A 3
Class 3 track 13⁄4 11⁄4 13⁄4
Class 4 track 11⁄2 1 11⁄2
Class 5 track 3⁄4 1⁄2 5⁄8
1 The ends of the line shall be at points on the gage side of the line rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead. Either rail may be used as the line rail; however, the same rail shall be used for the full length of that tangential segment of the track.
2 The ends of the chord shall be at points on the gage side of the outer rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead.
3 N/A—Not Applicable

(b) For operations at a qualified cant deficiency, Eu, of more than 5 inches, the alinement of the outside rail of the curve may not deviate from uniformity more than the amount prescribed in the following table:

Class of track Curved track
The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 31-foot chord 1 may not be more than—(inches) The deviation of the mid-ordinate from a 62-foot chord 1 may not be more than—(inches)
Class 1 track 2 3 N/A 11⁄4
Class 2 track 2 3 N/A 11⁄4
Class 3 track 3⁄4 11⁄4
Class 4 track 3⁄4 7⁄8
Class 5 track 1⁄2 5⁄8
1 The ends of the chord shall be at points on the gage side of the outer rail, five-eighths of an inch below the top of the railhead.
2 Restraining rails or other systems may be required for derailment prevention.
3 N/A—Not Applicable

[78 FR 16100, Mar. 13, 2013]