UFC 4-860-03

Abstract

<strong>INTRODUCTION.</strong> <br>The Department of Defense's (DOD) railroad system is a critical asset for both peacetime and mobilization missions. <br>The standards in this UFC are presented to protect investments in track maintenance and rehabilitation and to ensure that DOD's railroad track is maintained at the level needed to support mission requirements. The standards in this UFC provide maintenance standards for each possible type of deficiency addressed in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) <em>Track Safety Standards</em>. DOD policy is to maintain its railroad track at a standard that exceeds FRA Class 2 safety standards and adhere to additional DOD speed restrictions as stated in this UFC. The following standards specifically identify separate thresholds for safety standards and maintenance standards. If a standard is not specifically listed as a safety standard, it shall be used as a maintenance standard. For Navy installations, NAVFAC Instruction (NAVFACINST) 11230.1, <em>Inspection, Certification, and Audit of Crane and Railroad Trackage</em>, shall also be used based on category of track and amount of use. <br>Simply meeting the minimum standard required in this UFC is not necessarily the best, most cost-effective, long-term maintenance policy. The frequent occurrence of substandard or restricted conditions indicates the need for a comprehensive track evaluation to determine if major repair or rehabilitation is warranted.