CSX to improve track maintenance

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 5/1/2000

In response to a report by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that was critical of its track conditions, inspections, and repair procedures, CSX Transportation (CSXT) has agreed to take several steps to improve track maintenance and inspection. Shortly after the FRA issued its report on CSXT's track conditions, John W. Snow, chairman and chief executive officer of the railroad's parent company, CSX Corp., promised swift action to improve conditions on the railroad's 23,400-route-mile network.

The FRA began scrutinizing the railroad's track conditions in 1997 after the number of track-related accidents jumped the previous year. Even with increased inspections, said the FRA report, the number of accidents grew in 1998 and declined only slightly last year. Earlier this year, FRA began a systemwide audit of CSXT's trackage. Though it applauded improvements in some areas, the audit report was critical of the railroad's efforts. "The vast majority of track defects.could have been detected and repaired with better track-inspection and track-maintenance practices," the FRA reported. The agency did note, however, that CSXT did not have a single fatal accident in 1998 or 1999.

In a compliance agreement between CSXT and the FRA, the railroad agreed to conduct automated track inspections over its main and branch lines. The railroad will reinforce the authority of track inspectors and enhance management oversight of inspections. In addition, it agreed to submit for FRA approval performance standards for large-scale track work.

In the agreement, the FRA threatens CSXT with civil penalties for track conditions it believes pose an "imminent hazard" to train operations.