Summary

Requires regular, documented visual inspections and stronger protections for inspectors on main line railroad track that operates at higher speeds. It mandates at least two visual inspections per week (with at least one calendar day between inspections) by a qualified inspector for main line track designated for Class 3 speeds or higher, requires immediate remediation or removal from service for defects, limits regulatory waivers that would reduce defect detection, and directs the Department of Transportation to update FRA track-geometry monitoring rules within one year to set minimum automated monitoring frequencies.

• Main line track designated for Class 3 speeds or higher must receive visual inspections at least twice weekly, with at least one calendar day between inspections.
• Inspections must be performed by qualified inspectors as defined by FRA regulations in effect on Jan 1, 2026.
• Any defect or unsafe condition found by inspection, detection, or monitoring must be immediately corrected, protected, or the track removed from service.
• A qualified inspector who finds a deviation must immediately start remedial action and has sole authority to approve movements needed to facilitate repairs on out-of-service track.
• The Secretary of Transportation cannot grant waivers or exemptions if a proposed alternative method would fail to detect all defect conditions that FRA regulations recognize as unsafe.
• DOT must update FRA track geometry monitoring rules within one year to set minimum operating frequencies for qualifying Track Geometry Measurement Systems.
• Definitions for Class of track, main line, qualified inspector, and TGMS are tied to specific FRA rule citations as of Jan 1, 2026.
• No new funding or appropriation authority is specified in the provided text.
• The measure strengthens inspector authority and limits regulatory flexibility where defect detection would be incomplete.