(a) When an FRA Track Inspector or State Track Inspector finds track conditions which may require the issuance of an Emergency order removing the track from service under section 203, Public Law No. 91-458, 84 Stat. 972 (45 U.S.C. 432), the Inspector may issue a notice to the railroad owning the track. The notice sets out and describes the conditions found by the Inspector and specifies the location of defects on the affected track segment. The Inspector provides a copy to the FRA Regional Track Engineer and the FRA Regional Administrator.

(b) In the event the railroad immediately commences repairs on the affected track and so advises the FRA Regional Track Engineer, the Regional Track Engineer assigns an Inspector to reinspect the track immediately on the completion of repairs. If upon reinspection the Inspector determines that necessary repairs have been completed, he withdraws the Notice of Track Conditions.

Upon receipt of a Notice of Track Conditions issued under § 216.21, the FRA Regional Administrator prepares a recommendation to the Administrator concerning the issuance of an Emergency order removing the affected track from service. In preparing this recommendation, the FRA Regional Administrator considers all written or other material bearing on the condition of the track received from the railroad within three (3) calendar days of the issuance of the Notice of Track Conditions and also considers the report of the FRA Regional Track Engineer.

(a) Upon recommendation of the FRA Regional Administrator, the Administrator may issue an Emergency order removing from service track identified in the notice issued under § 216.21.

(b) As specified in section 203, Public Law No. 91-458, 84 Stat. 972 (45 U.S.C. 432), opportunity for review of the Emergency order is provided in accordance with section 554 of title 5 of the U.S.C. Petitions for such review must be submitted in writing to the Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC 20590. Upon receipt of a petition, FRA will immediately contact the petitioner and make the necessary arrangements for a conference to be held at the earliest date acceptable to the petitioner. At this conference, the petitioner will be afforded an opportunity to submit facts, arguments and proposals for modification or withdrawal of the Emergency order. If the controversy is not resolved at this conference and a hearing is desired, the petitioner must submit a written request for a hearing within fifteen (15) days after the conference. The hearing will commence within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of the request and will be conducted in accordance with sections 556 and 575, title 5, U.S.C.

(c) Unless stayed or modified by the Administrator, the requirements of each Emergency order issued under this subpart shall remain in effect and be observed pending decision on a petition for review.

The FRA may issue Emergency orders concerning track without regard to the procedures prescribed in this subpart whenever the Administrator determines that immediate action is required to assure the public safety.