213.307—Class of track: operating speed limits.
(a)
Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and §§ 213.329, 213.337(a) and 213.345(c), the following maximum allowable operating speeds apply:
| Over track that meets all of the requirements prescribed in this subpart for— | The maximum allowable operating speed for trains 1 is— |
|---|---|
| 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 | 200 m.p.h. |
| 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 Sections 213.345 and 213.329(d) of this subpart. | |
| (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 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 150 m.p.h. are authorized by this part only in conjunction with a rule of particular applicability addressing other safety issues presented by the system. | |
(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.