Slow going on the rails

Journal Article · Wed Jun 14 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Chem. Week; (United States)

OSTI ID:5118063

To improve the safety of chemical shipments by rail, the chief executives of major U.S. railroads have agreed to slow the speed of freight trains carrying hazardous materials, a recommendation of the recently formed Task Force on Rail Transportation of Hazardous Materials. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has decided to reduce by 10 mph the speed limits on the four fastest classifications of track for all trains hauling placarded 112A or 114A tank cars loaded with hazardous substances. Speed limits for Class 3 and Class 4 will be 30 instead of 40 mph, and 50 instead of 60 mph, respectively. According to the AAR, minor derailments will not be prevented by the new limits, but the severity of an accident could be minimized. The action is expected to have little effect on delivery schedules.

• OSTI ID: 5118063
• Journal Information: Chem. Week; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Week; (United States) Vol. 122:24; ISSN CHWKA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
022000 -- Petroleum-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290700* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Transport & Storage
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
LAND TRANSPORT
MATERIALS
RAIL TRANSPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY
SPEED LIMIT
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
VEHICLES