RussNelson wrote:True, but *which* 80-100 new ties do you install? Aye, that's the rub.
It is not necessary to have EVERY tie in perfect condition. The regulations speak of "effectively distributed" good ties and specify how many good ties must be present in a given distance. The number required increases as the allowed speed increases. In Russ' example, for relatively slow speed such as a siding, putting one of those 80-100 new ties out of each 4 ties would be fine.
I once saw an example of bureaucratic stupidity at work. When the OMID first took over from CR in 1979, there was a state-funded rehab on the West Hojack in progress. The spec called for replacing every 5th tie. In an incredible example of lunacy, that's EXACTLY what they did. The counted 5 ties, used the tie shears to cut the old one, and installed a new one. Never mind that 5th tie may have been in excellent shape, while the two on each side were totally rotten. The state specs demanded replacement of every
5th tie so that's what the state inspectors demanded that the contractor do.