Most railroad companies prefer any required track work to support a TxDOT construction project be

completed

by a TxDOT contractor. Railroad companies assist by:

This is not common with all railroad companies. Project designers should

coordinate responsible party to

provide materials, remove existing track sections, dispose of materials, and install new materials prior to developing plans and specifications. If not properly

assigned at the beginning of a project

, TxDOT may be at risk of a change order during construction.

The goal of effective track design is to

ensure the heavy weight distribution of railroad equipment can travel across the railroad tracks safely and efficiently without destroying the railroad equipment or disrupting the ballast or base material beneath the tracks. This is accomplished using following

components.