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Norfolk Southern Corporation has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to remove an automatic block signal (ABS) system on a railway line in the Coastal Division, stretching from Inman to Spartanburg. The company plans to switch the main track between mileposts W54.8 and W65.6 to a different mode of operation, known as NS Rule 171, since the ABS is no longer needed. Interested parties can review the petition and submit comments or requests for a public hearing until March 11, 2021. The FRA will consider all feedback before making a final decision.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has requested a waiver from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to operate trains without specific cab signal system equipment on a section of the Port Road Line in Pennsylvania. They wish to use locomotives equipped with a different technology called positive train control (PTC) in this area, covering up to 39.7 miles. The public can view the petition online and submit comments until April 5, 2021. The FRA is currently not planning a public hearing but will consider requests if provided reasons for holding one.

Grainbelt Corporation, a smaller railroad company, has applied for an exemption to extend its use of tracks owned by BNSF Railway Company in Oklahoma and Texas. This extension allows Grainbelt to transport trains for BNSF customers and access a specific facility in Oklahoma until March 2026. The Surface Transportation Board notes that employees affected by this change will receive protections, and any challenges to the exemption need to be filed before May 1, 2025. Additionally, this action is environmentally cleared and doesn't require historic preservation reports.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for permission to change a signal system. They want to discontinue an automatic block signal and traffic control system on a section of railway in North Carolina. Norfolk Southern says this change is needed because these systems are no longer necessary for their operations. The public can submit comments or ask for a public hearing about this proposed change before March 11, 2021.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

Louisiana Southern Railroad, L.L.C. (LAS), a small rail company, has filed a notice to continue leasing and operating about 165.8 miles of rail lines from the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS). The lease agreements have been in place since 2005 and were recently amended to extend until November 2034. LAS must meet certain conditions, such as informing employees and unions about the transaction, because their annual revenues exceed $5 million. However, LAS has requested a waiver for the 60-day advance notice requirement, which will be decided separately. The document mentions the possibility of legal challenges but notes that LA's operations are exempt from environmental and historic preservation reporting.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue or modify a signal system on the S line from Craggy to Morristown. The company wants to stop using a traffic control system in this area because it's no longer needed for operations and plans to change several automatic signals. The FRA is accepting comments on this proposal until March 11, 2021, and people can submit their thoughts through various methods like online, fax, mail, or in-person delivery. If anyone wants a public hearing, they must request it before the comment deadline.