Document
Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System
This document provides the public notice that Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) petitioned FRA seeking approval to discontinue or modify a signal system.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 by letters dated March 17, 2025, and May 9, 2025, NS petitioned FRA seeking approval to discontinue or modify a signal system. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2025-0044.
Specifically, NS requests to discontinue the traffic control system (TCS) on the AS Line within Asheville Yard, from milepost (MP) 138.18 to MP 141.33 of the Blue Ridge Division. NS additionally proposes to remove 10 circuited hand-throw switches/derails and to convert part of the track to NS Rule 93 operation and part to non-signaled main track within yard limits. In support of its application, NS states that “train operations in this area no longer warrant” the need for TCS, and the modification “will aid in the restoration efforts following storm-related damages,” which will “ensur[e] a safe operating environment as repairs are completed” to missing or non-repairable equipment. NS adds that the change will “maintain a conservative, risk averse operating environment.”
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.
Communications received by July 2, 2025 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of FRA's 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), 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.