H.R. 7784: Secure Tracks Act

The Secure Tracks Act is a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and inspection standards for railway tracks in the United States. The bill includes several key provisions regarding both visual and automated track inspections.

Track Inspections

The bill introduces new requirements for visual track inspections. Specifically, it mandates:

• Minimum Frequency for Inspections: All main line tracks that are designated for operation at Class 3 track speeds or higher must undergo visual inspections by a qualified inspector at least twice a week, with at least one calendar day between each inspection.
• Immediate Remediation: Any defect or unsafe condition identified during any inspection must be corrected, protected, or removed from service immediately upon detection.
• Authority of Inspectors: When a qualified inspector finds a deviation during an inspection, that inspector must take immediate corrective action and has the authority to control any subsequent movements on the track that is out of service.
• Prohibition on Safety Waivers: The Secretary of Transportation is prohibited from granting any waiver or exemption that would allow a reduction in safety coverage if the proposed alternative method fails to meet safety standards recognized by federal regulations.

Automated Track Inspection Requirements

In addition to visual inspections, the bill also requires updates to the regulations pertaining to automated track inspections. These updates must take place within one year of the bill's enactment, and they will include:

• Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS): The Secretary of Transportation must require that a Track Geometry Measurement System operate over various track classifications at specified frequencies. The frequencies vary based on the class of the track and the volume of gross tons operated annually.
• Specific Inspection Frequencies: Different classes of tracks must be inspected at different intervals, with more frequent inspections for higher classes of track and more significant traffic volumes. For instance:
  • Class 1 and Class 2 tracks will require inspections at least once or twice per year depending on traffic volumes.
  • Classes 3 through 9 tracks have increasing requirements for the number of inspections per year, typically ranging from two to four inspections.

Fixing Deviation Requirements

Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that when any inspection finds a deviation from required standards, immediate remediation must occur, ensuring that the tracks meet safety standards as defined in the regulations.

Definition and Applicability

The bill clarifies definitions relevant to its provisions, including terms like Class 1-5 tracks, main line, and qualified inspector, tying them back to existing regulations. The Secretary of Transportation is tasked with ensuring that any new requirements are effectively applied to the relevant track classifications.

Clerical Amendment

Lastly, a clerical amendment will update the table of contents for chapter 201 in title 49 of the United States Code to reflect the new section added regarding visual and automated track inspection requirements.

Relevant Companies

• UNP (Union Pacific Corporation): As a major freight railroad network, Union Pacific may need to adjust its inspection protocols and potentially increase operational costs to comply with the new inspection standards.
• CSX (CSX Corporation): Another significant player in the railroad industry, CSX could also experience impacts on its operational practices and safety compliance processes as a result of the bill.
• NRZ (New Residential Investment Corp): While primarily in real estate, any investment strategies involving properties near railroads may be indirectly influenced by changes in rail safety standards under this bill.