Federal Railroad Administration December 5, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FRA is clarifying preamble language and correcting rule text language in FRA's Standards for Development and Use of Processor-Based Signal and Train Control Systems, a final rule published on March 7, 2005 (PTC Rule). First, some language in the section-by-section analysis portion of the preamble to the PTC Rule inadvertently differs from the actual regulatory language, and FRA is noting the unintended variation to avoid confusion. Second, FRA is clarifying language regarding the applicability of new 49 CFR part 236, subpart H (the Processor-Based Standards) to highway-rail grade crossing warning systems (HGCWS). FRA wants to ensure that the rule language conforms with FRA's initial intent that the regulation apply to only certain HGCWS. Therefore, FRA is adding a provision to clarify which HGCWS products may be excluded from the requirements of the PTC Rule. FRA is also adding a provision to clarify that certain HGCWS products excluded from the requirements of the Processor-Based Standards may, at the option of the railroad, be made subject to the Processor-Based Standards. Third, FRA is adding a provision to clarify which HGCWS products shall be included in the software management control plans pursuant to 49 CFR 236.18. Finally, FRA is correcting a minor error in which a provision of the Processor-Based Standards was incorrectly cited.