FRAProposed Rule

Expanding Certain Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variations

Transportation

Summary

The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to allow locomotive wheels to vary more in size than currently permitted. This change could help railroads maintain equipment more flexibly and potentially reduce costs, though it needs public feedback before becoming final.

Key Points

  • 1The rule would expand the acceptable size range for locomotive wheel sets, giving railroads more options when maintaining or replacing train wheels
  • 2Railroad companies and maintenance facilities are the primary groups affected by this change
  • 3The proposal is open for public comments until September 3, 2025, and the FRA will review feedback before deciding whether to approve it
  • 4Changing wheel diameter rules could impact how trains operate and maintain their safety standards, so the agency is seeking input on potential effects
  • 5This is a proposed rule, meaning it's not yet official and could be modified or rejected based on the feedback received

Key Dates

Published

July 1, 2025

Comment Deadline

September 3, 2025

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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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