[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6861-6862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03451]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2019-0016]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document 
dated October 30, 2018, the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) has 
petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of 
compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety 
regulations contained at 49 CFR part 236. FRA assigned the petition 
Docket Number FRA-2019-0016.
    Specifically, Conrail seeks relief from the requirements of Sec.  
236.109, Time Releases, Timing Relays, and Timing Devices, Sec.  
236.377, Approach Locking, Sec.  236.378, Time Locking, Sec.  236.379, 
Route Locking, Sec.  236.380, Indication Locking, and Sec.  236.381, 
Traffic Locking, on vital microprocessor-based systems. Many of 
Conrail's interlockings, control points, and other locations are 
controlled by solid-state vital

[[Page 6862]]

microprocessor-based systems. These systems utilize programmed logic 
equations in lieu of relays or other mechanical components for control 
of both vital and non-vital functions. The logic does not change once a 
microprocessor-based system has been tested and locking tests are 
documented on installation. Conrail proposes to verify and test signal 
locking systems and non-configurable timers controlled by 
microprocessor-based equipment by use of alternative procedures every 4 
years after initial baseline testing or program change as follows:
     Verifying the Cyclic Redundancy Check/Check Sum/Universal 
Control Number of the existing location's specific application logic to 
the previously-tested version.
     Testing the appropriate interconnection to the associated 
signaling hardware equipment outside of the processor (switch 
indication, track indication, searchlight signal indication, approach 
locking (if external) to verify correct and intended inputs to and 
outputs from the processor are maintained.
     Analyze and compare the results of the 4-year alternative 
testing with the results of the baseline testing performed at the 
location and submit the results to FRA.
    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 Department of Transportation's 
Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. 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 party 
desires an opportunity for oral comment, 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: 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 as far as 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.). In 
accordance with 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 www.dot.gov/privacy. See also 
http://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. 2019-03451 Filed 2-27-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P