AREMA has standard track components and design plans that are often referenced for track design. The

Class I

railroad companies (BNSF, CN, CP, CSX,

CPKC

, NS, UPRR) also have their own specific engineering and design standards for some components and design that may vary from AREMA standards and supersede AREMA standards. Some of these are also common standards used by more than one railroad company, such as BNSF/UPRR common standards.

TxDOT has permission from UPRR and BNSF to use their standards and common standard sheets in PS&E packages. The designer should confirm from the railroad company the standard to use prior to developing the track design plans. Track design should only be performed by individuals with prior track design experience familiar with both AREMA and railroad company standards.