TM 5-628/AFR 91-44
CHAPTER 2
INSPECTION OF TRACK AND RECORD KEEPING
severe storm, or other occurrence which could have
an adverse effect on the track structure. These
2-1. Inspection by qualified inspectors.
inspections shall be conducted prior to the first
a. Army track. For Army track, the individual
movement over the track following the unusual
who completes the required track inspections shall
occurrence.
be a certified track inspector as specified in AR 420-
72.
2-4. Responsibilities of inspectors.
b. Air Force track. For Air Force track, the
a. The certified track inspector is responsible
individual who completes the required track inspec-
tions shall be qualified to perform such inspections
for:
as designated by the BCE.
(1) Assuring that inspections of Army and
Air Force track are performed in accordance with
paragraphs 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5 of these stand-
2-2. Inspection frequencies.
ards.
a. Category A and Category B track. As a mini-
(2) Examining the track to determine
mum, track designated as either Category A or
whether the track condition complies with the
Category B shall be inspected at the intervals shown
requirements of these standards.
below:
(3) Reporting any deviations from the full
Minimum Required
compliance condition level.
Traffic Frequency
inspection Frequency
b. Track inspections prescribed in paragraphs 2-
Two or more movements per week . . . . . . . .
Once every month
2 and 2-3 shall be made on foot or in an on-track
Greater than one movement per . . . . . . . . . . .
Once every 2 months
vehicle at a speed which is conducive to effective
month but less than two move-
track inspection, but in no case to exceed 5 mph.
ments per week.
Turnouts, road crossings, rail crossings, bridges,
Less than one movement per month . . . . . . .
Once every 6 months
and drainage structures shall be inspected on foot.
b. Category C track. Category C track shall be
c. The inspector shall complete and keep a copy
inspected annually in accordance with chapter 16 of
of this inspection on file for at least 3 years. In-
these standards.
spection reports which document deficiencies re-
c. Electric/electromechanical grade crossing
sulting in a track falling below its designated con-
signals. The inspection of electric/electromechanical
dition level shall be kept on file until all those de-
signals at road-railroad grade crossings shall be
ficiencies have been corrected.
performed at the same frequency as track inspec-
tions (para 2-2a); however, inspections of signals
2-5. Inspection of partially visible track.
shall be performed not less than once per quarter (at
a. At locations where vegetation, dirt, debris, or
approximately 3 month intervals). See chapter 10
other undesirable materials cover the ties and/or rail
for additional information on the inspection of these
preventing effective track inspection, train op-
signals.
erations shall not exceed 10 mph until the undesir-
d. internal rail defect inspection. Internal rail
able materials are removed and a thorough track
defect inspection shall be performed every 3 to 6
inspection is performed.
years as specified in paragraph 7-2b.
b. Paved areas. In road crossings and other
paved areas where complete inspection of the track
2-3. Special inspections.
is not possible, the certified track inspector must be
a. Infrequently used track. Track that has not
alert for external signs of track deterioration.
been used for a period of 6 months or more shall be
External signs indicating track deterioration are:
inspected prior to the first movement over the track.
(1) Changes in gage and/or crosslevel.
b. Mass rail movement. For track that has not
(2) Settlement of the rails (changes in track
been inspected within the last 2 months, a track
profile).
inspection is recommended prior to any mass rail
(3) Excessive vertical movement of the rails
movement (50 cars or more).
as a train passes.
c. Unusual occurrences. Track inspections shall
(4) Settlement of the pavement in the vicinity
be conducted following unusual occurrences such as
of the track.
a derailment, accident, flood, fire, earthquake,
2-1
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