FR 2021-00155

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a branch of the Department of Transportation (DOT), has published a notice regarding an update to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) in relation to the use of locomotive horns at public highway-rail grade crossings. The document outlines the ninth update of this risk threshold, marking an increase from 13,811 to 15,488. This update is based on a recalculation using collision data from 2015 to 2019.

Summary of the Document

This update of the NSRT serves as a guideline for communities that aim to establish or maintain quiet zones around rail line crossings. Quiet zones are areas where locomotive horns are not routinely sounded, thus reducing noise pollution. The NSRT offers a benchmark to assess the risk of silencing these horns and helps in determining whether adequate safety measures have been implemented to offset the increased risk.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several potential concerns associated with this adjustment:

• Technical Jargon: The document relies heavily on technical terms and regulatory references (e.g., "49 CFR part 222"), potentially rendering it difficult for individuals unfamiliar with transportation regulations to fully understand the implications.

• Lack of Financial Details: The notice does not discuss any financial impact or cost associated with adjusting the NSRT. This might leave stakeholders unclear about any economic implications.

• Impact on Communities: The document does not elaborate on how the change in NSRT affects the safety or decision-making processes of local communities specifically regarding the establishment or maintenance of quiet zones.

• Data Analysis Transparency: While the fra has updated the NSRT using collision data, the specifics of how the data was analyzed or weighted are not provided, which might raise questions about the robustness of the recalculations.

• Safety Measure Clarifications: There is a lack of detail concerning how the increased NSRT impacts safety measures or requirements, which could be concerning for community leaders and residents living near such crossings.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, particularly residents living near railway lines, this adjustment could have significant implications for everyday life. Quiet zones can considerably enhance the quality of life by reducing noise interference, but residents might also be concerned about increasing risks if trains are less audible.

Stakeholder Impact

• Communities and Local Governments: These entities may need to reassess safety measures in place around quiet zones. An increased NSRT could mean more rigorous safety protocols are necessary to maintain compliance while reducing noise.

• Railroad Companies: From a logistical standpoint, these updates may necessitate changes in operational procedures, influencing train schedules and risk management strategies.

• Regulatory Bodies and Safety Organizations: Such groups could see this as an opportunity to reevaluate regulatory frameworks and ensure they strike an appropriate balance between safety and environmental noise concerns.

In conclusion, while the update to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold aims to improve the framework governing quiet zones and balance noise and safety, it also brings forth various complexities that impact multiple stakeholders. Understanding these implications is crucial for making informed decisions that best serve both safety and community interests.