The Secure Tracks Act strengthens railroad track safety by requiring more frequent visual inspections and implementing new automated inspection standards. The bill mandates that all main line tracks used for faster speeds be visually inspected by qualified inspectors at least twice weekly with at least one day between inspections, and any safety defects must be corrected immediately upon discovery. The legislation also prohibits the Department of Transportation from granting waivers that reduce safety coverage and requires the Secretary to update federal railroad regulations within one year to establish mandatory automated track geometry inspection schedules based on track class and annual tonnage, with stricter frequency requirements for higher-speed and higher-traffic tracks. The bill affects all railroad operators and their inspection personnel nationwide, with compliance timelines tied to regulatory updates due within 12 months of enactment. No specific federal funding is allocated in the legislation; compliance costs are expected to fall on railroad operators.
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