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NTSB recommends more frequent track inspections for commuter railroads
Seems like inspections should be done at a more frequent interval than once every two weeks, like a daily visual track inspection and a weekly instrumented (ultrasound or other means) inspection.
If Amtrak operates on the track, then it is FRA since it is intercity. The FRA requires a minimum of two weekly inspections, even at Class 1 speeds (10F/15P). At the high speed rules, an additional inspection can be added. Additionally, dynamic inspections are done daily as some trains are set up to read G-forces. Also, rail inspections are required at various intervals (this changed in March 2014) based upon the history of certain rail defects on the route.
Besides these, tracks with concrete ties require GRMS (Gage Restraint Measurement System) inspections on various schedules to insure concrete tie and fastener condition. Finally, on-foot inspects of every turnout, diamond, and bridge lift rail assembly require a monthly on-foot inspection.
The FRA is pretty complete on its inspection requirements, but railroads can always inspect more if they feel it is necessary.
Having worked on several investigations with the NTSB over the years, they are normally pretty current on these standards. I’m wondering if they were suggesting an additional inspection type.
If the tracks are a part of the general railroad system under Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) jurisdiction, then two inspections per week for the main tracks are already required. Additionally, other inspections of joints in or at the ends of CWR are also required, plus internal rail inspections, on-foot turnout inspections, etc…all under 49CFR, Part 213. Having done some track training for them, I believe that most or all of Metro North fall under this category.
However, if the tracks are not FRA-regulated, and instead fall under the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), no standards exist. Instead, it is up to the carrier.
Yes, if it is a carload of lumber traveling the country, the FRA has required inspections. If you are riding an FTA regulated transit system, good luck as it is up to the system to do what they want. Yes, common recommended practices have been developed, but they are not fully adopted by all transit systems. Some are great at it while others are not.
I thought Amtrak already had a requirement that their trains only operate on tracks inspected twice weekly–regardless of FTA or FRA regulations (this is why there is a couple of day delay in restarting Amtrak service after a strike on a host railroad). This new requirement apparently would not have changed anything relative to this incident…
The article does not specify what kind of inspections.
The BNSF does a visual inspection of the Chicago triple track once a day.
Will a daily visual inspection work on the Metro-North’s heavily trafficed lines? If an angle bar breaks, the next train over would derail. Some other inspection system (ultrasonic, laser or electrical testing on every train) needs to be invented. How do the Japanese insure their track isn’t broken?
Is the requirement to inspect “once every two weeks” or “twice weekly”? A confusing post. BNSF inspects our main line in Montana daily, as well as the branch lines. Additional inspections are required ahead of 'hazmat" traffic, done by a roadmaster.