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Railway Tie Association (RTA) plans to hold its 2004 Tie Grading Seminar July 25-27 at RailWorks Corp.'s Alexandria, La., plant.

Instructors will conduct field exercises on various topics, including untreated wood deterioration, tie storage and handling, identifying wood species and determining defects, treating technology and "practical aspects" of tie grading, according to a prepared statement.

RailWorks will provide a plant tour, including crosstie and switch-tie inspection, handling and storage facilities, and sorting, end-plating, boring and dappling operations.

The tour will focus on treating efficiencies gained from "boultonizing" ties, or drying wood by heating it in a non-aqueous solution under vacuum.

The registration fee is $495. For more information, call 770-460-5553, visit the association's Web site at www.rta.org or send an email to ties@rta.org.