81_FR_80934 81 FR 80713 - National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request for Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System Certification

81 FR 80713 - National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request for Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System Certification

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 221 (November 16, 2016)

Page Range80713-80714
FR Document2016-27522

This document provides the public with notice that Amtrak submitted via FRA's Secure Information Repository a letter dated September 14, 2016, requesting FRA approval of its PTCSP Revision 4.0, dated August 2016, for Amtrak's Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System II (ACSES II).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80713-80714]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27522]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2010-0029]


National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (Amtrak) Request for 
Positive Train Control Safety Plan (PTCSP) Approval and System 
Certification

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document provides the public with notice that Amtrak 
submitted via FRA's Secure Information Repository a letter dated 
September 14, 2016, requesting FRA approval of its PTCSP Revision 4.0, 
dated August 2016, for Amtrak's Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System 
II (ACSES II).

DATES: FRA will consider comments received by December 16, 2016 before 
taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA may consider comments received 
after that date if practicable.

ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proceeding should identify 
Docket Number 2010-0029 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., 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific 
Technical Advisor, at (202) 493-1332, or Mark.Hartong@dot.gov; or Mr. 
David Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train Control, at (312) 835-
3903, or David.Blackmore@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In its PTCSP, Amtrak asserts that the ACSES 
II system it is implementing is designed as a vital overlay positive 
train control (PTC) system as defined in 49 CFR 236.1015(e)(2). The 
PTCSP describes Amtrak's ACSES II implementation and the associated 
ACSES II safety processes, safety analyses, and test, validation, and 
verification processes used during the development of ACSES II. The 
PTCSP also contains Amtrak's operational and support requirements and 
procedures.
    Amtrak's PTCSP and the accompanying request for approval and system 
certification are available for review online at www.regulations.gov 
(Docket Number FRA-2010-0029) and in person at DOT's Docket Operations 
Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 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 comment on the PTCSP by 
submitting written comments or data. During its review of the PTCSP, 
FRA will consider any comments or data submitted. However, FRA may 
elect not to respond to any particular comment and, under 49 CFR 
236.1009(d)(3), FRA maintains the authority to approve or disapprove 
the PTCSP at its sole discretion. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a 
public hearing regarding Amtrak's PTCSP because the circumstances do 
not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an 
opportunity for oral comment, the party should notify FRA in writing 
before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for his or 
her request.

Privacy Act Notice

    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 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits comments from the public to better 
inform its decisions. DOT posts these

[[Page 80714]]

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 you can review at 
www.dot.gov/privacy. See https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for 
the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2016.
Robert C. Lauby,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-27522 Filed 11-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices 80713 (C) the development of construction funding to provide information and data • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey techniques to increase safety and reduce by interview, survey, and/or release of Avenue SE., Room W12–140, construction time and traffic congestion; records. Interviews and surveys may be Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. (D) the development of engineering required to determine which projects to and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, design criteria for innovative products focus the study on and to gather except Federal Holidays. and materials for use in highway bridges relevant background, cost, and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. and structures; performance information. Records Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific (E) the development of cost-effective required may include data, documents, Technical Advisor, at (202) 493–1332, and innovative techniques to separate and reports associated with design, or Mark.Hartong@dot.gov; or Mr. David vehicle and pedestrian traffic from construction, in-service inspection, Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train railroad traffic; maintenance, evaluation, monitoring, Control, at (312) 835–3903, or (F) the development of highway and other relevant phases or activities. David.Blackmore@dot.gov. bridges and structures that will Interested parties are invited to withstand natural disasters, including SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In its provide comment on this study PTCSP, Amtrak asserts that the ACSES alternative processes for the seismic proposal. retrofit of bridges; and II system it is implementing is designed (G) the development of new Authority: Sec. 1422, Pub. L. 114–94, 129 as a vital overlay positive train control nondestructive bridge evaluation Stat. 1312; 49 CFR 1.85. (PTC) system as defined in 49 CFR technologies and techniques. Dated: November 9, 2016. 236.1015(e)(2). The PTCSP describes The study also will include an Gregory G. Nadeau, Amtrak’s ACSES II implementation and analysis of the utility, compared to Administrator, Federal Highway the associated ACSES II safety conventional materials and Administration. processes, safety analyses, and test, technologies, of each of the innovative [FR Doc. 2016–27504 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] validation, and verification processes materials and technologies used in BILLING CODE 4910–22–P used during the development of ACSES projects for bridges under the program II. The PTCSP also contains Amtrak’s in meeting the needs of the United operational and support requirements States in 2015 and in the future for a DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and procedures. sustainable and low lifecycle cost Amtrak’s PTCSP and the transportation system; Federal Railroad Administration accompanying request for approval and recommendations to Congress on how system certification are available for [Docket Number FRA–2010–0029] the installed and lifecycle costs of review online at www.regulations.gov bridges could be reduced through the National Railroad Passenger (Docket Number FRA–2010–0029) and use of innovative materials and Corporation’s (Amtrak) Request for in person at DOT’s Docket Operations technologies, including, as appropriate, Positive Train Control Safety Plan Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., any changes in the design and (PTCSP) Approval and System W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The construction of bridges needed to Certification Docket Operations Facility is open from maximize the cost reductions; and a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through summary of any additional research that AGENCY: Federal Railroad Friday, except Federal Holidays. may be needed to further evaluate Administration (FRA), U.S. Department Interested parties are invited to innovative approaches to reducing the of Transportation (DOT). comment on the PTCSP by submitting installed and lifecycle costs of highway ACTION: Notice of availability and written comments or data. During its bridges. request for comments. review of the PTCSP, FRA will consider The FAST Act requires each State that any comments or data submitted. received funds under the program to SUMMARY: This document provides the However, FRA may elect not to respond provide to the Transportation Research public with notice that Amtrak to any particular comment and, under Board any relevant data needed to carry submitted via FRA’s Secure Information 49 CFR 236.1009(d)(3), FRA maintains out the study. Repository a letter dated September 14, the authority to approve or disapprove The FHWA proposes to focus the 2016, requesting FRA approval of its the PTCSP at its sole discretion. FRA study on only the technologies PTCSP Revision 4.0, dated August 2016, does not anticipate scheduling a public implemented by the IBRC program and for Amtrak’s Advanced Civil Speed hearing regarding Amtrak’s PTCSP will only include bridges that received Enforcement System II (ACSES II). because the circumstances do not IBRC program funding. The FHWA’s DATES: FRA will consider comments appear to warrant a hearing. If any Recommendations to Congress on how received by December 16, 2016 before interested party desires an opportunity to reduce the installed and life cycle taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA for oral comment, the party should costs of bridges will also be based upon may consider comments received after notify FRA in writing before the end of the IBRC program study and that date if practicable. the comment period and specify the improvements inspired by the program. ADDRESSES: All comments concerning basis for his or her request. In addition, FHWA proposes to focus this proceeding should identify Docket Privacy Act Notice the study on the effect of the designs, Number 2010–0029 and may be materials, and construction methods on submitted by any of the following Anyone can search the electronic the performance of bridges while they form of any written communications asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES methods: are in service. • Web site: http:// and comments received into any of our The FHWA proposes that the www.regulations.gov. Follow the online dockets by the name of the individual assessment of the performance of instructions for submitting comments. submitting the comment (or signing the bridges while they are in service will • Fax: 202–493–2251. document, if submitted on behalf of an use existing information and data that is • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, association, business, labor union, etc.). known or has already been collected by U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 Under 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits the bridge owners. The FHWA proposes New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, comments from the public to better the TRB contact recipients of IBRC Washington, DC 20590. inform its decisions. DOT posts these VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1

80714 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 16, 2016 / Notices comments, without edit, including any the title of the collection of information. collection of information that Federal personal information the commenter Alternatively, comments may be faxed regulations mandate. In summary, FRA provides, to www.regulations.gov, as to (202) 493–6216 or (202) 493–6497, or reasons that comments received will described in the system of records emailed to Mr. Brogan at advance three objectives: (1) Reduce notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which you Robert.Brogan@dot.gov, or Ms. Toone at reporting burdens; (2) ensure that it can review at www.dot.gov/privacy. See Kim.Toone@dot.gov. Please refer to the organizes information collection https://www.regulations.gov/ assigned OMB control number in any requirements in a ‘‘user-friendly’’ format privacyNotice for the privacy notice of correspondence submitted. FRA will to improve the use of such information; regulations.gov. summarize comments received in and (3) accurately assess the resources Issued in Washington, DC, on November 2, response to this notice in a subsequent expended to retrieve and produce 2016. notice and include them in its information requested. See 44 U.S.C. Robert C. Lauby, information collection submission to 3501. OMB for approval. Below is a brief summary of currently Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. approved information collection Robert Brogan, Information Collection activities that FRA will submit for [FR Doc. 2016–27522 Filed 11–15–16; 8:45 am] Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad clearance by OMB as required under the BILLING CODE 4910–06–P Safety, Regulatory Analysis Division, PRA: RRS–21, Federal Railroad Title: Track Safety Standards. Administration, 1200 New Jersey OMB Control Number: 2130–0010. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Abstract: Part 213 prescribes Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, minimum safety requirements for Federal Railroad Administration DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6292) railroad track that is part of the general [Docket No. FRA–2016–0002–N–25] or Ms. Kim Toone, Information railroad system of transportation. While Collection Clearance Officer, Office of the requirements prescribed in this part Proposed Agency Information Information Technology, RAD–20, generally apply to specific track Collection Activities; Comment Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 conditions existing in isolation, a Request New Jersey Avenue SE., Mail Stop 35, combination of track conditions, none of Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) AGENCY: Federal Railroad which individually amounts to a 493–6132). (These telephone numbers Administration (FRA), U.S. Department deviation from the requirements in this are not toll free.) of Transportation. part, may require remedial action to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, ACTION: Notice and request for provide safe operations over that track. 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its Qualified persons inspect track and take comments. implementing regulations, 5 CFR part action to allow safe passage of trains 1320, require Federal agencies to and ensure compliance with prescribed SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork provide 60-days’ notice to the public to Track Safety Standards. In March 2013, Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its allow comment on information FRA amended the Track Safety implementing regulations, FRA seeks collection activities before seeking OMB Standards and Passenger Equipment approval of proposed information approval to implement them. See 44 Safety Standards applicable to high- collection activities listed below. Before U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), speed and high cant deficiency train submitting this information collection 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, operations to promote the safe request (ICR) to the Office of FRA invites interested respondents to interaction of rail vehicles with the Management and Budget (OMB) for comment on the following summary of tracks over which they operate. The approval, FRA is soliciting public proposed information collection final rule revised limits for vehicle comment on specific aspects of the activities regarding: (1) Whether the response to track perturbations and activities, which are identified in this information collection activities are added new limits as well. The rule notice. necessary for FRA to properly execute accounts for a range of vehicle types DATES: Comments must be received no its functions, including whether the later than January 17, 2017. that are currently used and may likely activities will have practical utility; (2) be used in future high-speed or high ADDRESSES: Submit written comments the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the cant deficiency rail operations, or both. on any or all of the following proposed burden of the information collection The rule is based on the results of activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert activities, including the validity of the simulation studies designed to identify Brogan, Information Collection methodology and assumptions used to track geometry irregularities associated Clearance Officer, Office of Railroad determine the estimates; (3) ways for with unsafe wheel/rail forces and Safety, Regulatory Analysis Division, FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and accelerations, thorough reviews of RRS–21, Federal Railroad clarity of the information being vehicle qualification and revenue Administration, 1200 New Jersey collected; and (4) ways for FRA to service test data, and consideration of Avenue SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, minimize the burden of information international practices. The information DC 20590; or Ms. Kim Toone, collection activities on the public by collection associated with the Track Information Collection Clearance automated, electronic, mechanical, or Safety Standards is used by FRA to Officer, Office of Information other technological collection ensure and enhance rail safety by Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad techniques and other forms of asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES monitoring complete compliance with Administration, 1200 New Jersey information technology (e.g., permitting all regulatory requirements. Avenue SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, electronic submission of responses). See Form Number(s): N/A. DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)–(iv); 5 CFR Affected Public: Businesses. to acknowledge receipt of their 1320.8(d)(1)(i)–(iv). Respondent Universe: 728 railroads. respective comments must include a FRA believes that soliciting public Frequency of Submission: On self-addressed stamped postcard stating, comment will promote its efforts to occasion. ‘‘Comments on OMB Control Number reduce the administrative and Affected Public: Businesses. 2130–0010,’’ and should also include paperwork burdens associated with the Reporting Burden: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16NON1.SGM 16NON1


Document Created: 2016-11-16 00:57:11
Document Modified: 2016-11-16 00:57:11
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of availability and request for comments.
DatesFRA will consider comments received by December 16, 2016 before taking final action on the PTCSP. FRA may consider comments received after that date if practicable.
ContactDr. Mark Hartong, Senior Scientific Technical Advisor, at (202) 493-1332, or [email protected]; or Mr. David Blackmore, Staff Director, Positive Train Control, at (312) 835- 3903, or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 80713 
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