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The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently issued a proposed rule aimed at improving federal track safety standards for continuous-welded rail (CWR).

The FRA seeks to establish specific requirements for qualifying people designated to inspect or supervise the installation, adjustment or maintenance of CWR.

The rule also would clarify procedures for track owners to submit CWR maintenance plans to the FRA for review and approval; require that a written copy of a CWR procedures manual is available at all job sites; and mandate a comprehensive annual training program for the application of written CWR procedures.

The FRA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until Jan. 15.