[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR213.135]



[Page 115-116]

 

                        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.



[[Page 116]]



    (i) Tongue & Plain Mate switches, which by design exceed Class 1 and 

excepted track maximum gage limits, are permitted in Class 1 and 

excepted track.