Search Results for keywords:"Federal Railroad Administration"

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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a notice regarding BNSF Railway's request to extend their current waiver, which allows them to perform certain safety tests on their solid-state equipment every four years instead of the usual two years. BNSF argues that their solid-state technology has proven to be more reliable than older systems and that the less frequent testing has not resulted in any safety issues. FRA invites the public to submit comments on this petition by May 2, 2025. This petition, along with other related communications, can be reviewed online.

The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration are seeking public comments on their revised guidance for environmental reviews in surface transportation projects. This new guidance updates and replaces previous guidelines and reflects recent changes in laws that aim to improve project evaluation processes. The authorities are accepting comments on its implementation until February 18, 2025, and further details are available online. This notice is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that transportation projects comply with environmental regulations while improving efficiency.

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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has finalized a rule to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, specifically its section 22425. This rule amends the Freight Car Safety Standards to enforce restrictions on new freight cars introduced in the U.S. It prohibits using sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises, as well as materials that infringe on U.S. intellectual property rights. From January 21, 2025, freight car manufacturers must certify compliance with these standards to operate their vehicles in the United States.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed changes to the rules for positive train control (PTC) systems. These changes aim to set strict guidelines for when trains can operate safely without PTC, such as during repairs or upgrades. The FRA found current regulations don't sufficiently cover times when PTC systems aren't in use. The public has until January 11, 2025, to submit comments on these proposed rule changes.

Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) has requested an extension from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver on using locomotive horns at specific public highway-rail grade crossings. Currently, TriMet is allowed to use quieter locomotive bells instead of horns at three crossings on the Lombard segment of the Westside Express Service in Beaverton, Oregon. This request is based on their claim that there have been no safety issues since the waiver has been in place. The public is encouraged to submit their comments or concerns about this petition by February 28, 2025, through the website www.regulations.gov.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to either discontinue or modify a signal system on certain sections of its rail line in Alabama. The company claims that the current traffic control system is no longer needed for its operations. Public comments on this request are invited by March 11, 2021, through various submission methods detailed in the notice. The FRA has not scheduled a public hearing but may consider it if requested appropriately.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) is seeking to amend its Positive Train Control Safety Plan. Amtrak wants to increase the maximum speed of its trains from 150 miles per hour to 160 miles per hour. The FRA is inviting public comments on this request before December 23, 2024. The proposed changes involve Amtrak’s Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System II and may lead to modifications of existing train control systems.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on their Information Collection Request (ICR) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are asking for feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collection activities, the accuracy of their burden estimates, and ways to improve or reduce the burden of these activities. The FRA aims to use this feedback to enhance reporting efficiency, improve information quality, and accurately assess resource expenditures. Public comments must be submitted by May 12, 2025.