Document
Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System
This document provides the public notice that NJ Transit (NJT) 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 letter dated April 14, 2025, NJT petitioned FRA seeking approval to discontinue or modify a signal system. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2025-0056.
Specifically, NJT requests to convert the existing traffic control system (TCS) with cab signals and fixed automatic block signals to a TCS with cab signals and no fixed automatic block signals. The subject area on the Morristown Line, from milepost (MP) 2.7 to 5.7, is owned by NJT but Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) and Morristown & Erie Railway, Inc. (M&E) operate freight service on the trackage.[]
NJT states that all existing interlocking home signals will be retained, and trains that may experience a failed cab signal will be protected by absolute blocking.
In support of its request, NJT submits that removal of the signals will reduce train delays caused by the failure of signals and improve employee safety by reducing the need to climb on signal bridges for maintenance.
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 August 11, 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.