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§ 213.55 Track alinement.

49 CFR 213.55

Citation49 CFR 213.55
CorpusDaily eCFR
Displayed edition2026-09-25
Last updated2026-09-25

§ 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 trackTangent trackCurved 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 track53 N/A5
Class 2 track33 N/A3
Class 3 track13⁄411⁄413⁄4
Class 4 track11⁄2111⁄2
Class 5 track3⁄41⁄25⁄8
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 trackCurved 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 23 N/A11⁄4
Class 2 track 23 N/A11⁄4
Class 3 track3⁄411⁄4
Class 4 track3⁄47⁄8
Class 5 track1⁄25⁄8
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]