SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by letter dated February 6, 2026 and March 19, 2026 DGVR petitioned FRA for an extension of a special approval pursuant to 49 CFR part 215 (Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards), and a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained in parts 215 and 223 (Safety Glazing Standards—Locomotives, Passenger Cars and Cabooses). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2021-0054.

Specifically, DGVR requests to extend the previous special approval pursuant to § 215.203, Restricted cars, in this docket for 37 pieces of equipment (7 box cars, 6 flat cars, 5 skeleton log cars,^[1] 7 hopper cars, 6 tank cars, 2 refrigerator cars, and 3 gondola cars) that are more than 50 years from the dates of original construction. The petition also seeks to add snowplow C&O 914021 to the relief. DGVR additionally seeks extended relief from § 215.303, Stenciling of restricted cars, and the safety glazing requirements of part 223 for C&O 914021. DGVR states that the cars will operate a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour and be used to recreate historical scenes of railroading. In addition, DGVR requested to expand the equipment's operating territory, to total 28.5 miles in the Cass Hill Subdivision. DGVR also notes that it is “adopting the Heritage Rail Alliance Mechanical Standards Manual RP-001-21 for operations of cars with obsolete brake valves” on its system.

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 June 29, 2026 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 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:// ( printed page 23149) www.transportation.gov/​privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/​privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

91 FR 23148