Search Results for keywords:"railroad safety"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule from October 29, 2024, concerning updates to procedures for waivers and safety-related proceedings. These updates aimed to clarify what is meant by "in the public interest" and "consistent with railroad safety" in the waiver standards. The FRA cited resource constraints and existing guidance on the topic as reasons for the withdrawal but emphasized their commitment to engaging with stakeholders on rail safety issues. The FRA may consider similar regulations in the future and appreciates the input received from stakeholders during this process.

TEXRail has submitted an updated Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for approval. This plan involves changes to their train control system, known as I-ETMS, and seeks reclassification as a "mixed" positive train control system. The FRA is asking the public to review and provide comments on this request by February 10, 2025. The FRA has the authority to approve or reject the plan, and comments can be submitted online.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is informing the public that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, known as Amtrak, has asked for a change to a previous agreement. This agreement currently requires Amtrak to limit speeds to 125 mph when passing maintenance areas on certain tracks. Amtrak believes its new safety plans, like better barriers and technology, will allow them to safely increase speeds to 160 mph in designated zones. People can share their opinions or comments about this request until April 16, 2025, on the regulations.gov website.

In response to a Congressional requirement from the SUPPORT Act, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is proposing a new rule to include mechanical (MECH) employees, who test or inspect railroad equipment, under its alcohol and drug regulations. This proposed rule aims to extend current regulations, initially designed for maintenance-of-way and covered service employees, to MECH employees. FRA believes that enforcing random and pre-employment drug tests could deter substance misuse among MECH employees, thereby enhancing safety. The proposed changes would also include guidelines for small railroads and contractors to ensure compliance and minimize burdens.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has extended the comment period for a proposed rule, originally published on October 24, 2024. This rule aims to update the safety standards for railroad tracks, requiring various classes of railroads to use Track Geometry Measurement System technology at certain frequencies. Two associations requested a 60-day extension to better assess the rule's impact, but the FRA granted a 15-day extension, moving the new deadline to January 7, 2025. Public comments are requested and will be published online, with privacy considerations in place.

The Norfolk Southern Corporation has submitted a petition to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue or modify a signal system on specific lines in its Blue Ridge Division. They want to change the operation system on certain tracks and retire some slide fences, as the Traffic Control System (TCS) is no longer needed for operations in those areas. Interested parties can submit comments on the petition by April 5, 2021, using various methods like mail or the regulations.gov website. The FRA does not plan to hold a public hearing unless there is a significant request for one.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for public comments on an information collection request about the control of alcohol and drug use in railroad operations before it submits the request for approval. This collection helps ensure railroad safety by testing employees for alcohol and drugs. The FRA aims to gather feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of the information collected. The public has until May 12, 2025, to submit comments related to this on the website www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FRA-2025-0012.

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver from certain federal railroad safety regulations for its METRO Green Line Light Rail Transit Extension Project. This request aims to maintain their existing safety procedures which already comply with other federal standards, despite being potentially different from standard railroad safety regulations. The FRA is inviting public comments on this request until February 25, 2025, and these comments can be submitted online. The FRA does not expect to hold a public hearing but will consider requests for one if submitted within the comment period.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue a traffic control system on certain rail lines between Andover and Bulls Gap in the Blue Ridge Division. The request includes a change to a different operating rule and installation of new signals at specified locations. The FRA has opened the proposal for public comment and has provided instructions on how to submit comments by March 11, 2021. The FRA does not plan to hold a public hearing unless there is a specific request for one.

CSX Transportation, Inc. has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for its Product Safety Plan (PSP) related to the Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control, an energy management system installed on locomotives. This system helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by allowing more miles of automatic operation, though a qualified train crew remains in charge. The FRA is accepting public comments on this proposal until March 17, 2025. Interested parties can submit their feedback through the regulations.gov website, using the docket number FRA-2024-0126.