U.S. Track Class Regulations Per 49 CFR § 213, 49 CFR § 213The Federal Railroad Administration has defined a system of classification for railroad track quality. These are defined as specific track classifications, ranging in value from 1 to 9. The classification of a track dictates specific construction details, including tolerance requirements for the geometrical measurements of the track. These tolerances also determine the speed limits for both freight and passenger trains, and the ability to run passenger trains.
The table below has been combined from 49 CFR § 213.9, 49 CFR § 213.307 |
Track Classification | Freight | Passenger | Section |
---|---|---|---|
Excepted Track | 10 mph | Not Allowed | 49 CFR § 213.4 |
Class 1 Track | 10 mph | 15 mph | 49 CFR § 213.9 |
Class 2 Track | 25 mph | 30 mph | 49 CFR § 213.9 |
Class 3 Track | 40 mph | 60 mph | 49 CFR § 213.9 |
Class 4 Track | 60 mph | 80 mph | 49 CFR § 213.9 |
Class 5 Track | 80 mph | 90 mph | 49 CFR § 213.9 |
Class 6 Track | 110 mph | 110 mph | 49 CFR § 213.307 |
Class 7 Track | 125 mph | 125 mph | 49 CFR § 213.307 |
Class 8 Track | 160 mph | 160 mph | 49 CFR § 213.307 |
Class 9 Track | 200 mph | 200 mph | 49 CFR § 213.307 |
Tier 1 - railroad passenger equipment operating at speeds not exceeding 125 miles per hour. | 49 CFR § 238.201 |
Tier 2 - railroad passenger equipment operating at speeds exceeding 125 mph but not exceeding 150 mph. | 49 CFR § 238.401 |