FRA

TRB accepting proposals for Rail Safety IDEA Program

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is accepting proposals for the Rail Safety IDEA Program, which supports the development and testing of innovative concepts and methods for improving railroad safety or performance. Rail Safety IDEA proposals are due Sept. 15, 2016.

AAR to FRA: No basis for two-person crews

Citing the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) acknowledgement of “little evidence or safety data” in its attempt to mandate two-person train crews, a proposed rule first announced by the FRA in April 2015, Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger said, “Safety is this industry’s number one concern, but there is simply no safety case to be made for a regulation that requires two-person crews, especially where Positive Train Control is fully operational.” The rule was published in the Federal Register on March 15, 2016, and public comments are due on May 16.

FRA awards crossing safety grants

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded nearly $10 million in grants for nine projects in eight states to upgrade and increase the safety of railroad crossings along energy routes, the agency announced Feb. 18, 2016. Rail Program provides the funding under the Railroad Safety Grants for the Safe Transportation of Energy Products (STEP). FRA received 34 eligible applications requesting five times the $10 million available for the program, or $50.8 million.

FRA to DOTs: Verify traffic signal/railroad crossing integration

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Feb. 17, 2016 called on state departments of transportation to verify that railroad crossing warning systems interconnected to traffic lights function properly. The agency also urged states to add event recorders to traffic lights connected to railroad crossing systems so information obtained during inspections can be used to improve safety.

FRA releases DEIS for NEC investment

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for NEC FUTURE, FRA’s long-term investment framework for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Washington, D.C., and Boston, Mass.

Commentary

Sarah, it’s all up to you—for now

Acting Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah Feinberg will respond to questions before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at her confirmation hearing to become permanent FRA Administrator on Thursday, Sept.