Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Railroad Administration"

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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, issued a correction to a previous rule about highway-rail grade crossing safety standards. Initially, an error was made in the final rule published on December 14, 2020, where a reference was incorrectly linked to a non-existent paragraph. This correction fixes the mistake by correctly referring to the paragraph that lists the 10 states needing to submit updated reports electronically. This amendment is effective from February 23, 2021, and does not require public notice or comment due to the minor nature of the error.

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.

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.

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) has announced that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has requested an extension of relief from certain safety regulations for rail cars with end-of-car cushioning units. The AAR wants to keep using these rail cars even if they show minor leaks, as long as a condition indicator shows the cushioning unit is still working. They argue that this waiver has helped protect workers and avoid unnecessary repairs. The public can submit their comments on this request until April 2, 2025, through the official regulations website.

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.

Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to extend a waiver for some safety regulations, specifically regarding brake tests and car inspections. UP wants to move freight cars from Mexico to the U.S. without immediate inspections at the border, choosing instead to inspect them at Olmito, Texas, a few miles away. According to UP, this change would make the process quicker, safer, and less disruptive to Brownsville, Texas. The FRA is accepting public comments about this request until February 28, 2025.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) has requested approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discontinue or modify a signal system for certain tracks. The request involves removing an automatic block signal (ABS) system and making adjustments to specific signals along the H Line and J-Line. NS argues that the signal system is no longer necessary for current operations. The public can submit comments or concerns about this proposal until March 1, 2021, by various methods outlined in the notice.

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.