Mike 10 mph track is not exempt track its FRA class one (1) track there is no such thing as exempt track. FRA has a classification of Excepted track which the speed cannot exceed 10mph and the track for 1o0 feet on either side of every bridge and road crossing must comply with FRA class one (1) track at a minimum. See 49 CFR part 213 for classes of track and for excepted track 49 cfr part 213.4 Also who will be doing the signal maintainance at the crossings as this was a big issue in EO 21 and who is training the train crews and the MOW forces as this was also an issue in EO21 and they will need to be addressed before any trains run. There were a lot of relay ties installed on the line and I found it odd that Balfor did not plug the old spike holes in the relay ties. Relay ties look pretty but do not last long. As an advocatre for keeping rail service I hope they get the OK to start but FRA will be keeping a very close eye on them.

I have copied the excepted track rule:

[u]213.4 Excepted track.
A track owner may designate a segment of track as excepted track provided that—

(a) The segment is identified in the timetable, special instructions, general order, or other appropriate records which are available for inspection during regular business hours;

(b) The identified segment is not located within 30 feet of an adjacent track which can be subjected to simultaneous use at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour;

(c) The identified segment is inspected in accordance with 213.233(c) and 213.235 at the frequency specified for Class 1 track;

(d) The identified segment of track is not located on a bridge including the track approaching the bridge for 100 feet on either side, or located on a public street or highway, if railroad cars containing commodities required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172), are moved over the track; and

(e) The railroad conducts operations on the identified segment under the following conditions:

(1) No train shall be operated at speeds in excess of 10 miles per hour;

(2) No occupied passenger train shall be operated;

(3) No freight train shall be operated that contains more than five cars required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172); and

(4) The gage on excepted track shall not be more than 4 feet 101/4inches. This paragraph (e)(4) is applicable September 21, 1999.

(f) A track owner shall advise the appropriate FRA Regional Office at least 10 days prior to removal of a segment of track from excepted status.