FRA Track & Roadway Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum allowable track gage for Class 1 track?
- 4 feet 8 inches
- 4 feet 9 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 feet 10 inches
- 4 feet 11 inches
Correct answer: 4 feet 9 inches
FRA regulations allow a maximum track gage of 4 feet 9 inches for Class 1 track (56A inches plus 3/4 inch tolerance).
Question 2: Which FRA track class permits the highest freight train speeds?
- Class 3
- Class 4
- Class 5 (Correct answer)
- Class 6
Correct answer: Class 5
Class 5 track permits freight train speeds up to 80 mph, while Class 6 and above apply to passenger-only high-speed operations.
Question 3: A track geometry defect that causes one rail to be higher than the other in a curve is called:
- Cross-level deviation (Correct answer)
- Alignment defect
- Superelevation excess
- Rail cant failure
Correct answer: Cross-level deviation
Cross-level deviation refers to a difference in the heights of the two rails that exceeds allowable tolerances.
Question 4: According to 49 CFR Part 213, how often must Class 3 and 4 track be inspected by a qualified inspector?
- Once per week
- Twice per week (Correct answer)
- Once per month
- Once per day
Correct answer: Twice per week
Class 3 and 4 tracks must be inspected at least twice per week by a qualified track inspector.
Question 5: What is the minimum depth of ballast required under the crosstie for Class 4 track?
- 6 inches
- 8 inches
- 10 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 12 inches
FRA regulations require a minimum ballast depth of 12 inches under the base of the tie for Class 4 track.
Question 6: A broken rail discovered during a track inspection requires the inspector to:
- Flag the location and report it within 24 hours
- Immediately notify the train dispatcher and restrict or halt traffic (Correct answer)
- Allow one train to pass at restricted speed before shutting down
- Place a blue flag at each end of the break
Correct answer: Immediately notify the train dispatcher and restrict or halt traffic
A broken rail is an immediate safety hazard; the inspector must notify the dispatcher and restrict or stop train movements over the defect.
Question 7: What FRA regulation part governs track safety standards for railroads in the United States?
- 49 CFR Part 209
- 49 CFR Part 211
- 49 CFR Part 213 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 215
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 213
49 CFR Part 213 contains the FRA's Track Safety Standards governing geometry, structure, and inspection requirements.
FRA Track & Roadway Safety 2
Under FRA regulations, what is the maximum allowable track gage for Class 1 track?