Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System, 6861 [2019-03454]

Agencies

• Federal Railroad Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 6861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03454]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2018-0101]


Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or 
Modification of a Railroad Signal System

    Under part 235 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
and 49 U.S.C. 20502(a), this document provides the public notice that 
on November 16, 2018, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeking 
approval to discontinue or modify a signal system. FRA assigned the 
petition Docket Number FRA-2018-0101.
    Applicant: National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Mr. Nicholas J. 
Croce III, PE, Deputy Chief Engineer C&S, 2995 Market Street, 
Philadelphia, PA 19104.
    Amtrak seeks approval to remove all automatic wayside signals on 
Tracks No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4, at automatic block points between 
interlockings Paoli, milepost (MP) 19.9 and Park MP 45.5 on Amtrak's 
Northeast Corridor, Mid-Atlantic Division, Harrisburg Line, 
Philadelphia to Harrisburg, PA. Automatic Block Signals (ABS) 218, 219, 
254, 273, 274, 295, 296, 390, 391, 413, 414, 443, and 494, will be 
removed with the signal locations remaining in service as block points 
without wayside signals. These signals will be removed due to Amtrak 
upgrading the ABS Sections from NORAC Rule 251/261 territory, cab 
signals and fixed automatic block signals, to NORAC Rule 562 territory, 
cab signals, without fixed automatic block signals. In addition to the 
NORAC Rule 562 upgrades, Amtrak will install Clear Block Signals (C) to 
existing interlocking signals at Paoli (MP 19.9), Frazier (MP 23.9), 
Glen (MP 25.3), Downs (MP 32.1), Thorn (MP 35.0), Caln (MP 36.6), and 
Park (MP 45.5) interlockings through its capital improvement program. 
Until C signals are installed, movement through the block will be 
governed by NORAC Rules 550, 554 and 556. Amtrak's overall goal is to 
eliminate the maintenance and safety concerns associated with the ABS.
    The existing automatic train control and Advanced Civil Speed 
Enforcement System (ACSES) will continue to enforce train speed and 
positive train stop. ACSES will enforce a positive stop at each 
interlocking and will also enforce a stop to a train with failed cab 
signal equipment unless the C signal is displayed allowing the failed 
train to enter the block.
    The reason for removal of the signals in addition to upgrading the 
ABS Sections is to eliminate maintenance and operation of unnecessary 
hardware no longer needed, and to reduce delays to trains caused by 
failures of the signals.
    The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and the 
Norfolk Southern Railway operate on portions of this line as tenants 
with trackage rights.
    The project will begin immediately upon receiving permission for 
removal and will be completed within five years of receiving the 
authority to proceed. The project will begin with the section of track 
from Park to Thorn Interlocking and will progress eastward until 
completion.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's (DOT) 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 participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since 
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties 
desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they 
should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and 
specify the basis for their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Website: 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.
    Communications received by April 15, 2019 will be considered by FRA 
before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be 
considered if practicable.
    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 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better 
inform its processes. DOT posts these 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 can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the 
privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
Robert C. Lauby,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-03454 Filed 2-27-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P