FR 2025-03362

This notice from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) informs the public about a petition from the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) seeking to extend a waiver allowing the use of a shorter train horn blast at 22 stations. Instead of the standard two long, one short, and one long horn sequence typically required at public crossings, LIRR wants to continue using just one short blast when leaving these locations. The public has the opportunity to comment on this request until April 2, 2025, through the regulations.gov website, and the FRA will review these comments during its decision-making process.

General Summary

The document is a public notice published by the Federal Railroad Administration regarding LIRR's petition to extend relief from certain federal safety regulations specifically covering the use of train horns at grade crossings. This extension request is based on the assertion that there have been no significant changes in circumstances since the waiver was initially granted. The document also outlines instructions for public engagement and provides contact information for further inquiries.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One of the significant issues in this document is the lack of clarity on the specific reasons why LIRR seeks an extension of the waiver. Without clear justification, it might be difficult for stakeholders to assess the validity and necessity of the waiver renewal. Additionally, the document mentions that comments received after the deadline of April 2, 2025, will be considered only "if practicable," which might create uncertainty for those commenting late on how their input will be handled.

Moreover, the notice does not detail potential impacts on noise pollution or safety, which could leave stakeholders uninformed about the possible consequences of continuing the waiver. The document also does not explain the criteria used by the FRA to decide whether a public hearing is necessary, leaving readers uncertain about the decision-making process. Finally, the technical reference to a specific federal regulation might not be immediately understandable to all readers without additional context or explanation.

Impact on the Public

This notice involves several potential impacts on the public. Primarily, residents near the affected train stations might experience continued reduced noise levels due to shorter horn blasts, positively influencing their quality of life. However, this could also pose safety concerns, as the reduced horn signaling might not adequately warn of approaching trains, particularly for those unfamiliar with the quiet zones.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders involved, including residents, local governments, and train operation staff, the impact can be significant. Residents and local communities near the stations might view the waiver extension positively due to decreased noise pollution. Conversely, some safety advocates and regulatory bodies could be concerned about the potential compromise to safety, especially if clear data supporting the waiver's safety assurances are not readily provided. Train operation staff need clarity in regulations to maintain consistent practices and avoid slipping into non-compliance.

In summary, while LIRR's petition for an extension of its waiver on train horn usage at 22 stations continues an established practice, the lack of detailed explanation for the extension and the sparse information about the potential implications on safety present issues that need addressing for comprehensive stakeholder understanding and engagement.