2020-28557. Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System

Under part 235 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and 49 U.S.C. 20502(a), this document provides the public notice that on December 14, 2020, 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-2020-0097.

Applicant: National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Nicholas J. Croce III, PE, Deputy Chief Engineer, C&S, 2995 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Specifically, Amtrak requests permission to convert approximately 13 miles of its cab signal and fixed automatic block signal system to a signal system having cab signals without fixed automatic block signals, operated under NORAC Rule 562, on Amtrak's New York Division, Main Line New York to Philadelphia, Northeast Corridor, between County Interlocking located at milepost (MP) 32.8 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Union Interlocking located at MP 19.7 in Rahway, New Jersey. Amtrak is the owner and operator of this line, but Conrail and New Jersey Transit Rail Operations (NJTRO) both operate on portions of this line as tenants with trackage rights. Both Conrail and NJTRO have concurred with the application.

Amtrak's proposed changes are to remove 34 fixed automatic block signals between County Interlocking and Union Interlocking; convert each of the former signal locations to block points on Tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4; and install Clear to the Next Interlocking “C” lights, per NORAC Rule 280a, on interlocking signals at County Interlocking (eastward) and Edison, Lincoln, and Union Interlockings (westward).

Amtrak states removing the signals will eliminate maintenance and operation of unnecessary hardware and reduce delays to trains caused by failures of the signals.

A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov.

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: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.

Communications received by February 11, 2021 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.

John Karl Alexy,

Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.