Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T)

FRA’s RD&T mission is to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of people and goods by rail through basic and applied research and the development of innovative solutions. Safety is DOT’s primary strategic goal and the principal driver of FRA’s RD&T program. RD...

Rio Grande Pacific Approval Letters 242 Program

Rio Grande Pacific Approval Letters 240 Program

Contracting Opportunities

FR22RPD01000000008 

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a Single Source Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order to AASHTO the sole sponsor of the 2022...

Caltrain Approval Letter and 240 Program

Development of Prototype Commuter Rail Passenger Seats for Use in CEM Passenger Rail Cars

In support of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Equipment Safety Research Program, the Volpe Center has been conducting research to improve occupant protection during accidents for rail car passengers. This report describes a project conducted to develop and test a prototype design for a...

Bi-Level Rollover Rig Design and Construction Estimate Final Report

In 2006, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funded the development of the Passenger Rail Vehicle Emergency Evacuation Simulator, known as the “rollover rig.”  This device was constructed to provide the railroad passenger community with the training tools to respond effectively during...

SOFA Brief - Close Clearance

SOFA Brief - Industry Hazards

Howard Street Tunnel Project

The Howard Street Tunnel Project (Project) will improve clearance at the Howard Street Tunnel (HST) in Baltimore City and 22 other locations where obstructions exist along the CSX Transportation (CSX) Interstate 95 (I-95) rail corridor between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The Project will remove...