[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR213.135]

[Page 111-112]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 213--TRACK SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
                       Subpart D--Track Structure
 
Sec. 213.135  Switches.

    (a) Each stock rail must be securely seated in switch plates, but 
care shall be used to avoid canting the rail by overtightening the rail 
braces.
    (b) Each switch point shall fit its stock rail properly, with the 
switch stand in either of its closed positions to allow wheels to pass 
the switch point. Lateral and vertical movement of a stock rail in the 
switch plates or of a switch plate on a tie shall not adversely affect 
the fit of the switch point to the stock rail. Broken or cracked switch 
point rails will be subject to the requirements of Sec. 213.113, except 
that where remedial actions C, D, or E require the use of joint bars, 
and joint bars cannot be placed due to the physical configuration of the 
switch, remedial action B will govern, taking into account any added 
safety provided by the presence of reinforcing bars on the switch 
points.
    (c) Each switch shall be maintained so that the outer edge of the 
wheel tread cannot contact the gage side of the stock rail.
    (d) The heel of each switch rail shall be secure and the bolts in 
each heel shall be kept tight.
    (e) Each switch stand and connecting rod shall be securely fastened 
and operable without excessive lost motion.
    (f) Each throw lever shall be maintained so that it cannot be 
operated with the lock or keeper in place.
    (g) Each switch position indicator shall be clearly visible at all 
times.
    (h) Unusually chipped or worn switch points shall be repaired or 
replaced. Metal flow shall be removed to insure proper closure.
    (i) Tongue & Plain Mate switches, which by design exceed Class 1 and 
excepted track maximum gage limits, are

[[Page 112]]

permitted in Class 1 and excepted track.