Document ID: FRA-2010-0134-0002
Agency: fra
Document Type: Rule
Title: Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System, etc.
Posted Date: 2010-09-03T04:00Z

[Federal Register: September 3, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 171)]
[Notices]               
[Page 54219-54220]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03se10-122]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

 
Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or 
Modification of a Railroad Signal System or Relief From the 
Requirements of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 236

    Pursuant to Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 235 and 
49 U.S.C. 20502(a), the following railroad has petitioned the Federal 
Railroad Administration (FRA) seeking approval for the discontinuance 
or modification of the signal system or relief from the requirements of 
49 CFR part 236, as detailed below.

Docket Number FRA-2010-0134

    Applicant: Mr. James V. Samuelson, Deputy General Manger--Safety & 
Training, New Jersey Transit, One Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 
07105-2246.
    The New Jersey Transit (NJT) seeks relief from the 2 year periodic 
testing requirements of the Rules, Standards, and Instructions, Title 
49 CFR part 236, Sec. Sec.  236.377 Approach Locking, 236.378 Time 
Locking, 236.379 Route Locking, 236.380 Indication Locking, and 236.381 
Traffic Locking, on vital microprocessor-based systems. NJT proposes to 
verify and test signal locking systems controlled by microprocessor-
based equipment by use of alternative procedures every 4 years after 
initial baseline testing or program change as follows:
     Verification of the Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)/Check 
Sum/Universal Control Number (UNC) of the existing location's specific 
application logic to the previously tested version.
     Testing the appropriate interconnection to associated 
signaling hardware equipment outside the processor (switch indication, 
track indication, signal indication, approach locking (if external)) to 
verify correct and intended inputs to and outputs from the processor 
are maintained.
     Analyzing and comparing 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.
     All records of locking tests will identify the method used 
(i.e., conventional, baseline, or subsequent alternative method).
    Applicant's justification for relief: Many of NJT's interlocking, 
controlled points and other locations are controlled by solid-state 
vital microprocessor-based systems. These systems utilize programmed 
logic equations in lieu of relays and 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. Locking 
tests are documented on installation.
    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 (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-
2010-0134) and may be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Web site: 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., Room W12-140, Washington, 
DC 20590.

[[Page 54220]]

     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 within 45 days of the date of this notice 
will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments 
received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All 
written communications concerning these proceedings are available for 
examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above 
facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for 
inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web 
site at http:// www.regulations.gov.
    Anyone is able to 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 comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 
19477-78).

    Issued in Washington, DC on August 30, 2010.
Robert C. Lauby,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative 
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2010-22006 Filed 9-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P