National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request for Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System Certification, 80713-80714 [2016-27522]

Download as PDF asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices (C) the development of construction techniques to increase safety and reduce construction time and traffic congestion; (D) the development of engineering design criteria for innovative products and materials for use in highway bridges and structures; (E) the development of cost-effective and innovative techniques to separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic from railroad traffic; (F) the development of highway bridges and structures that will withstand natural disasters, including alternative processes for the seismic retrofit of bridges; and (G) the development of new nondestructive bridge evaluation technologies and techniques. The study also will include an analysis of the utility, compared to conventional materials and technologies, of each of the innovative materials and technologies used in projects for bridges under the program in meeting the needs of the United States in 2015 and in the future for a sustainable and low lifecycle cost transportation system; recommendations to Congress on how the installed and lifecycle costs of bridges could be reduced through the use of innovative materials and technologies, including, as appropriate, any changes in the design and construction of bridges needed to maximize the cost reductions; and a summary of any additional research that may be needed to further evaluate innovative approaches to reducing the installed and lifecycle costs of highway bridges. The FAST Act requires each State that received funds under the program to provide to the Transportation Research Board any relevant data needed to carry out the study. The FHWA proposes to focus the study on only the technologies implemented by the IBRC program and will only include bridges that received IBRC program funding. The FHWA’s Recommendations to Congress on how to reduce the installed and life cycle costs of bridges will also be based upon the IBRC program study and improvements inspired by the program. In addition, FHWA proposes to focus the study on the effect of the designs, materials, and construction methods on the performance of bridges while they are in service. The FHWA proposes that the assessment of the performance of bridges while they are in service will use existing information and data that is known or has already been collected by the bridge owners. The FHWA proposes the TRB contact recipients of IBRC VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 funding to provide information and data by interview, survey, and/or release of records. Interviews and surveys may be required to determine which projects to focus the study on and to gather relevant background, cost, and performance information. Records required may include data, documents, and reports associated with design, construction, in-service inspection, maintenance, evaluation, monitoring, and other relevant phases or activities. Interested parties are invited to provide comment on this study proposal. Authority: Sec. 1422, Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. 1312; 49 CFR 1.85. Dated: November 9, 2016. Gregory G. Nadeau, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 2016–27504 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2010–0029] National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) Request for Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System Certification Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments. AGENCY: This document provides the public with notice that Amtrak submitted via FRA’s Secure Information Repository a letter dated September 14, 2016, requesting FRA approval of its PTCSP Revision 4.0, dated August 2016, for Amtrak’s Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System II (ACSES II). DATES: FRA will consider comments received by December 16, 2016 before taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA may consider comments received after that date if practicable. ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proceeding should identify Docket Number 2010–0029 and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80713 • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific Technical Advisor, at (202) 493–1332, or Mark.Hartong@dot.gov; or Mr. David Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train Control, at (312) 835–3903, or David.Blackmore@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In its PTCSP, Amtrak asserts that the ACSES II system it is implementing is designed as a vital overlay positive train control (PTC) system as defined in 49 CFR 236.1015(e)(2). The PTCSP describes Amtrak’s ACSES II implementation and the associated ACSES II safety processes, safety analyses, and test, validation, and verification processes used during the development of ACSES II. The PTCSP also contains Amtrak’s operational and support requirements and procedures. Amtrak’s PTCSP and the accompanying request for approval and system certification are available for review online at www.regulations.gov (Docket Number FRA–2010–0029) and in person at DOT’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to comment on the PTCSP by submitting written comments or data. During its review of the PTCSP, FRA will consider any comments or data submitted. However, FRA may elect not to respond to any particular comment and, under 49 CFR 236.1009(d)(3), FRA maintains the authority to approve or disapprove the PTCSP at its sole discretion. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing regarding Amtrak’s PTCSP because the circumstances do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, the party should notify FRA in writing before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for his or her request. Privacy Act Notice Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits comments from the public to better inform its decisions. DOT posts these E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1 80714 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which you can review at www.dot.gov/privacy. See https://www.regulations.gov/ privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2016. Robert C. Lauby, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2016–27522 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2016–0002–N–25] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of proposed information collection activities listed below. Before submitting this information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities, which are identified in this notice. DATES: Comments must be received no later than January 17, 2017. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad Safety, Regulatory Analysis Division, RRS–21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590; or Ms. Kim Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ‘‘Comments on OMB Control Number 2130–0010,’’ and should also include asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 the title of the collection of information. Alternatively, comments may be faxed to (202) 493–6216 or (202) 493–6497, or emailed to Mr. Brogan at Robert.Brogan@dot.gov, or Ms. Toone at Kim.Toone@dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad Safety, Regulatory Analysis Division, RRS–21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6292) or Ms. Kim Toone, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Office of Information Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days’ notice to the public to allow comment on information collection activities before seeking OMB approval to implement them. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding: (1) Whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques and other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)–(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)–(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 collection of information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (1) Reduce reporting burdens; (2) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a ‘‘user-friendly’’ format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. Below is a brief summary of currently approved information collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA: Title: Track Safety Standards. OMB Control Number: 2130–0010. Abstract: Part 213 prescribes minimum safety requirements for railroad track that is part of the general railroad system of transportation. While the requirements prescribed in this part generally apply to specific track conditions existing in isolation, a combination of track conditions, none of which individually amounts to a deviation from the requirements in this part, may require remedial action to provide safe operations over that track. Qualified persons inspect track and take action to allow safe passage of trains and ensure compliance with prescribed Track Safety Standards. In March 2013, FRA amended the Track Safety Standards and Passenger Equipment Safety Standards applicable to highspeed and high cant deficiency train operations to promote the safe interaction of rail vehicles with the tracks over which they operate. The final rule revised limits for vehicle response to track perturbations and added new limits as well. The rule accounts for a range of vehicle types that are currently used and may likely be used in future high-speed or high cant deficiency rail operations, or both. The rule is based on the results of simulation studies designed to identify track geometry irregularities associated with unsafe wheel/rail forces and accelerations, thorough reviews of vehicle qualification and revenue service test data, and consideration of international practices. The information collection associated with the Track Safety Standards is used by FRA to ensure and enhance rail safety by monitoring complete compliance with all regulatory requirements. Form Number(s): N/A. Affected Public: Businesses. Respondent Universe: 728 railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Affected Public: Businesses. Reporting Burden: E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80713-80714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27522]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2010-0029]


National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request for 
Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System 
Certification

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document provides the public with notice that Amtrak 
submitted via FRA's Secure Information Repository a letter dated 
September 14, 2016, requesting FRA approval of its PTCSP Revision 4.0, 
dated August 2016, for Amtrak's Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System 
II (ACSES II).

DATES: FRA will consider comments received by December 16, 2016 before 
taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA may consider comments received 
after that date if practicable.

ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proceeding should identify 
Docket Number 2010-0029 and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific 
Technical Advisor, at (202) 493-1332, or Mark.Hartong@dot.gov; or Mr. 
David Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train Control, at (312) 835-
3903, or David.Blackmore@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In its PTCSP, Amtrak asserts that the ACSES 
II system it is implementing is designed as a vital overlay positive 
train control (PTC) system as defined in 49 CFR 236.1015(e)(2). The 
PTCSP describes Amtrak's ACSES II implementation and the associated 
ACSES II safety processes, safety analyses, and test, validation, and 
verification processes used during the development of ACSES II. The 
PTCSP also contains Amtrak's operational and support requirements and 
procedures.
    Amtrak's PTCSP and the accompanying request for approval and system 
certification are available for review online at www.regulations.gov 
(Docket Number FRA-2010-0029) and in person at DOT's Docket Operations 
Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. 
The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
    Interested parties are invited to comment on the PTCSP by 
submitting written comments or data. During its review of the PTCSP, 
FRA will consider any comments or data submitted. However, FRA may 
elect not to respond to any particular comment and, under 49 CFR 
236.1009(d)(3), FRA maintains the authority to approve or disapprove 
the PTCSP at its sole discretion. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a 
public hearing regarding Amtrak's PTCSP because the circumstances do 
not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an 
opportunity for oral comment, the party should notify FRA in writing 
before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for his or 
her request.

Privacy Act Notice

    Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications 
and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
Under 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits comments from the public to better 
inform its decisions. DOT posts these

[[Page 80714]]

comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which you can review at 
www.dot.gov/privacy. See https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for 
the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2016.
Robert C. Lauby,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-27522 Filed 11-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

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