---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 213.334"
title: "49"
number: "213.334"
heading: "Ballast; general."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/213.334"
---

# §213.334. Ballast; general.


Unless it is otherwise structurally supported, all track shall be supported by material which will—

- (a) Transmit and distribute the load of the track and railroad rolling equipment to the subgrade;
- (b) Restrain the track laterally, longitudinally, and vertically under dynamic loads imposed by railroad rolling equipment and thermal stress exerted by the rails;
- (c) Provide adequate drainage for the track; and
- (d) **Maintain proper track crosslevel, surface, and alinement.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20102-20114 and 20142; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89.

### Source

Source: 63 FR 34029, June 22, 1998, unless otherwise noted.