Understanding and Complying with FRA 213 Track Safety Standards

This course provides in-depth knowledge of the regulations governing railroad track safety. Participants will learn to identify applicable tracks, recognize compliance responsibilities, and specify track classes and safe operating speeds. The course also covers essential topics such as drainage requirements, rail gage calculations, and inspection skills for various track components.

• Railroad engineers and managers responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Qualified engineering technicians and track supervisors overseeing the implementation of railway projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Organizational leaders seeking to build bench strength and fill holes in succession planning.

Origins and Scope of FRA 213

• Scope
• Excepted track
• Responsibilities—qualified persons
• Classes of track
• Measuring under load

The Roadbed

• Drainage
• Vegetation
• Review of the track structure
• Track geometry, gauge, alignment, and curves

Curves, String Lining, and Elevations

• Ballast and crossties
• Gage restraint measuring
• Rail defects
• CWR

Rail Joints and Fasteners

• Turnouts and crossings
• Switches and frogs

Guard Rails

• Derails
• Track inspection

Dave Peterson

Dave is the Program Director for the University of Wisconsin–Madison Railroad Engineering and Operations Program. The program consists of 12 courses conducted annually on topics ranging from introduction to railroad engineering and operations to signaling, bridges, crossings, and traction power. He is also the Department Administrator for Interdisciplinary Professional Programs. Dave has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an MBA from UW–Madison.

John Zuspan

John Zuspan is President of Track Guy Consultants in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. John started as a track laborer and worked his way up to foreman and director of the track divison at Slattery/Skanska and vice president for Balfour Beatty Rail. He has managed the trackwork, reviewed all design packages, and has had final authority for approval on many large scale projects. John currently leads the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association’s (NRC) Safety Committee and has led the efforts to produce many safety training DVDs for railroad contractors. He is a dedicated teacher and trainer.