Search Results for keywords:"Federal Railroad Administration"

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received a petition from Norfolk Southern Corporation to discontinue a traffic control system on part of the D&H line. Norfolk Southern plans to modify the signal systems and change the operation to NS Rule 171 between certain mileposts. This change is requested because the existing traffic control system is no longer needed for operations. The FRA is inviting public comments on this petition, which can be submitted through various means until March 15, 2021.

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 letting the public know that Railtown 1897 State Historic Park has asked for more time to not fully follow some rules about labeling and making rail cars reflective. These cars are over 50 years old and are used for special movie and photo shoots, not regular train services. The public can comment on this request until May 5, 2025, through the website regulations.gov. The FRA will consider all comments submitted by then and may consider later ones if possible.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Department of Transportation has released a notice regarding a request from the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART). SMART is asking for a waiver from specific safety regulations for their diesel multiple unit vehicles, due to delays from their brake equipment supplier. They want to extend the maintenance interval for their brake systems. Public comments on this request are welcome until April 7, 2025, and feedback will be considered by the FRA in their decision-making process.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that on December 11, 2024, Amtrak submitted a request to modify its Positive Train Control (PTC) system, specifically to add new testing instructions related to signal apparatuses and systems. This request may require FRA's approval for changes to an already certified PTC system. FRA is inviting the public to comment on this request by January 13, 2025, and all submissions will be available on the regulations.gov website. Comments received will help FRA make a decision regarding the approval of the proposed modifications.

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.

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) received a petition from the Salt Lake City Department of Public Services and the City of North Salt Lake, asking for a temporary waiver from certain safety regulations about railroad crossings. They want a two-year waiver to install new safety devices at two crossings in the Woods Cross Quiet Zone, as these crossings have had no accidents since 1979. Interested parties can send their comments online, which the FRA will consider before making a final decision. Comments should be submitted by March 17, 2025, although later ones might still be reviewed if feasible.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has established an emergency relief docket (ERD) for 2025, identified as docket number FRA-2025-0015. This announcement is part of FRA's process for handling emergency waivers of safety rules during crises. If an emergency occurs, the FRA Administrator can activate special procedures to provide relief to the railroad industry, which will be announced and updated on the FRA's website. Public comments on petitions for emergency waivers can be submitted through the regulations.gov portal, where they will be accessible to the public.