jdm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jeff how do you get away with not complying with
> FRA and CPC regs on vegetation is this track
> between MP 21 and MP 31 out of service?
>
> § 213.37 Vegetation.
> Vegetation on railroad property which is on or
> immediately adjacent to roadbed shall be
> controlled so that it does not—
> (a) Become a fire hazard to track-carrying
> structures;
> (b) Obstruct visibility of railroad signs and
> signals:(1) Along the right-of-way, and(2) At
> highway-rail crossings; (This paragraph (b)(2) is
> applicable September 21, 1999.)
> (c) Interfere with railroad employees performing
> normal trackside duties;
> (d) Prevent proper functioning of signal and
> communication lines; or
> (e) Prevent railroad employees from visually
> inspecting moving equipment from their normal duty
> stations
>
> § 213.233
> (b) Each inspection shall be made on foot or by
> riding over the track in a vehicle at a speed that
> allows the person making the inspection to
> visually inspect the track structure for
> compliance with this part. However, mechanical,
> electrical, and other track inspection devices may
> be used to supplement visual inspection. If a
> vehicle is used for visual inspection, the speed
> of the vehicle may not be more than 5 miles per
> hour when passing over track crossings and
> turnouts, otherwise, the inspection vehicle speed
> shall be at the sole discretion of the inspector,
> based on track conditions and inspection
> requirements. When riding over the track in a
> vehicle, the inspection will be subject to the
> following conditions

JDM,

The line is out of service past MP 4.5 awaiting extensive repairs of the structures and rehabilitation of the track. Regarding the trestle fire, Cal Fire believes the cause is an unattended campfire and I would concur based on what I observed at the scene. State parks police noted the area is a hotbed for transients.

Howard