[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR213.103]

[Page 101]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 213--TRACK SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
                       Subpart D--Track Structure
 
Sec. 213.103  Ballast; general.

    Unless it is otherwise structurally supported, all track shall be 
supported by material which will --
    (a) Transmit and distribute the load of the track and railroad 
rolling equipment to the subgrade;
    (b) Restrain the track laterally, longitudinally, and vertically 
under dynamic loads imposed by railroad rolling equipment and thermal 
stress exerted by the rails;
    (c) Provide adequate drainage for the track; and
    (d) Maintain proper track crosslevel, surface, and alinement.