FRA R&D - Track and Structures

The summary for the FRA R&D - Track and Structures grant is detailed below. This summary states who is eligible for the grant, how much grant money will be awarded, current and past deadlines, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers, and a sampling of similar government grants. Verify the accuracy of the data FederalGrants.com provides by visiting the webpage noted in the Link to Full Announcement section or by contacting the appropriate person listed as the Grant Announcement Contact. If any section is incomplete, please visit the website for the DOT Federal Railroad Administration, which is the U.S. government agency offering this grant.

FRA R&D - Track and Structures: The purpose of the grant is the demonstration and deployment of an innovative technique for an effective Measurement of Track Vertical Modulus from a Moving Railcar, with the potential to contribute to railroad track safety and FRA?s safety mission, and the realization of the agency?s R&D investment. It consists of an integrated package of hardware, including a computer system, twin lasers, GPS unit and high-speed camera all mounted beneath a modified train car. As the train moves, the package records specific measurements of the vertical movement of the track, which provide a good indication of track integrity. Implementation of this technology on FRA Railcar would encourage railroads to deploy this new technology, to improve both safety and economy of operation by scheduling proactive remedial work for track vertical strength as appropriate.