Search Results for keywords:"railroad safety"

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has asked the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver that allows it to sound a shorter train horn blast when leaving 22 train stations, instead of the longer horn sequence usually required at railroad crossings. This request was made because there haven't been any changes in circumstances since the original waiver was approved. The public can submit comments on this request until April 2, 2025, through the regulations.gov website, and these comments will be reviewed by the FRA.

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.

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 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.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced that the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, known as Caltrain, is seeking approval for amendments to its Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP). This request may include significant changes to their train control systems and is open for public comments until March 3, 2025. The proposed changes include upgrades to Caltrain's Interoperable Electronic Train Management System and modifications to highway grade crossings. FRA is inviting feedback from the public to help decide whether to approve, conditionally approve, or deny these changes.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposes a rule to update brake system safety standards for trains that use an electronic air brake slip (eABS) system. This new system would allow certain rail cars to travel longer distances between brake tests, specifically up to 2,500 miles rather than the current 1,500 miles, provided the cars meet specific criteria. The proposal includes maintaining extended records of the cars' brake tests and allowing the swapping of blocks of cars in trains without additional tests. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce employee injury risks while still ensuring train 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 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.

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.