The CN is performing very heavy MOW work on the single track thru town and seem to have about a 7 hour window daily for that work.
Rail replacement seemingly could be done based on an objective basis, either on time or more than likely tonnage handled. Was there not a Trains issue in the MH era which discussed this issue?
What about ties? Are ties identified by location by either GPS or bar coding to determine the age of the tie? Back in the day, the ties on the old IC branch thru town had tie dates (sure wish I had saved those). Thus a tie could be identified by age.
What about today? Are ties replaced on the basis of time, or wear. Often I will see ties marked with orange spray paint and assume this is a communication to replace that tie. Correct assumption? Who determines that replacement and what criteria are used?
I worked on the section for a couple of years in the 80s and we had a production foreman who made those choices. It seemed to depend on main line or siding and how much of a tie or rail budget we had that year. Minimal work was to replace every 3rd tie if i am remembering right.
It’s more subjective today. They are replaced based upon condition (of the tie, its location, and expected traffic) more than its age. I have seen the section foreman literally walk the line with a spray gun and marking the ones he feels are in need of replacement. It varies by railroad and line. As was mentioned, budget concerns will change the “standards for replacement”. Less money means marginal ties don’t get replaced this time.