[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 35303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09452]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2024-0042]


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 March 
15, 2024, Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL) petitioned the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA) seeking approval to discontinue or modify a signal 
system. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2024-0042.
    Specifically, CBRL requests to discontinue the use of the signal 
system located on the North Bend swing span bridge, which will be 
replaced with gates equipped with stop signs, distance signs, and 
``craft specific locks'' to govern about 10 train crossings per week 
over the bridge. CBRL states that the signal system, at milepost 763.6 
on the Coos Bay Subdivision, ``has been subjected to years of regular 
vandalism and theft,'' which makes ``maintaining such a system 
particularly challenging.'' Additionally, CBRL explains that ``the 
system also requires significant updating and repairs stemming from a 
structural failure that damaged multiple components crucial to its 
reliable and safe operation.'' In support of its request, CBRL states 
that the subject trackage operates under yard limits authority (GCOR 
rules 6.27 and 6.28) and that the ``more analog style system'' it 
proposes to use will be a ``more tamper resistant alternative for 
governing movement over the bridge.'' CBRL also notes that another of 
its swing bridges has used a similar system for several years and has 
had no recordable incidents.
    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 party 
desires 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 at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Communications received by July 1, 2024 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), the U.S. Department of Transportation (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/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of 
regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-09452 Filed 4-30-24; 8:45 am]
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