(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and as otherwise provided in this subpart G, the following maximum allowable speeds apply: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over track that meets all of the The maximum allowable
requirements prescribed in this subpart operating speed for trains
for-- is \1\------------------------------------------------------------------------Class 6 track............................. 110 m.p.h.Class 7 track............................. 125 m.p.h.Class 8 track............................. 160 m.p.h.\2\Class 9 track............................. 220 m.p.h.\2\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Freight may be transported at passenger train speeds if the
following conditions are met:(1) The vehicles utilized to carry such freight are of equal dynamic
performance and have been qualified in accordance with Sec. 213.329
and Sec. 213.345.(2) The load distribution and securement in the freight vehicle will not
adversely affect the dynamic performance of the vehicle. The axle
loading pattern is uniform and does not exceed the passenger
locomotive axle loadings utilized in passenger service, if any,
operating at the same maximum speed.(3) No carrier may accept or transport a hazardous material, as defined
at 49 CFR 171.8, except as provided in Column 9A of the Hazardous
Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) for movement in the same train as a
passenger-carrying vehicle or in Column 9B of the Table for movement
in a train with no passenger-carrying vehicles.\2\ Operating speeds in excess of 125 m.p.h. are authorized by this part
only in conjunction with FRA regulatory approval addressing other
safety issues presented by the railroad system. For operations on a
dedicated right-of-way, FRA's regulatory approval may allow for the
use of inspection and maintenance criteria and procedures in the
alternative to those contained in this subpart, based upon a showing
that at least an equivalent level of safety is provided.
(b) If a segment of track does not meet all of the requirements for its intended class, it is to be reclassified to the next lower class of track for which it does meet all of the requirements of this subpart. If a segment does not meet all of the requirements for Class 6, the requirements for Classes 1 through 5 apply. [63 FR 34029, June 22, 1998, as amended at 78 FR 16104, Mar. 13, 2013]