FR 2021-01950

The document titled "Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System" details a request by Norfolk Southern Corporation to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue a traffic control system on a specific portion of its railroad line. This request is driven by the corporation's assertion that the current signal system is no longer required for its operations. The document invites comments from the public, offering several methods through which individuals can submit their views, with a deadline for submissions set for March 15, 2021.

Summary of the Document

The notice outlines Norfolk Southern's (NS) plan to discontinue the existing signal systems on the D&H line, part of the Keystone Division, and transition to NS Rule 171 operation between specified mileposts. This action will affect several control points and six automatic signals. The FRA is currently collecting public feedback on this petition.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document presents several issues and concerns for readers and stakeholders:

1. Lack of Detailed Justification: The primary reason given for discontinuing the traffic control system is that "operations no longer require TCS," a vague rationale that might not suffice for stakeholders seeking to understand the necessity and implications of the change.

2. Omission of Impact Analysis: The document does not include any analysis or discussion of the potential impacts or benefits of discontinuing the signal system. There is no exploration of safety implications or consideration of alternative options, which raises questions about the thoroughness of the decision-making process.

3. Complex Terminology: The language and terms used, such as mileposts and control points, may be difficult for the general public to interpret, limiting comprehension to those familiar with railroad operations.

4. Public Participation: While the document encourages public participation, it could have been written in a more reader-friendly manner, possibly by providing a step-by-step guide or concrete examples of how individuals can effectively engage with the process.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, particularly those living near or relying on the affected railway line, the proposed signal discontinuance could have implications for safety, rail service reliability, and local traffic conditions. However, the document fails to clearly outline these potential impacts, leaving questions about how the change could affect daily operations and interactions with the railway system.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Local Communities: Communities located along the D&H line might be concerned about safety and service disruptions resulting from the signal system changes. A detailed assessment of these concerns is not provided, leading to potential uncertainty.

• Railway Employees: Employees working on the affected line may face changes in operational protocols, necessitating retraining or adjustments to their work routines without clear communication of NS Rule 171’s implications.

• Regulatory Agencies and Advocates: Organizations focused on transportation safety and regulation may seek further clarity and justification before supporting the discontinuance of existing infrastructure.

The overall effectiveness of this document in communicating its aims and engaging public opinion is limited by its technical nature and lack of transparency in outlining potential impacts, benefits, and safety considerations. To better serve the public interest, additional information and clearer explanations would be beneficial.