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 July 20, 2026, IORY petitioned FRA seeking approval to discontinue or modify a signal system. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2026-1981.

Specifically, IORY requests to discontinue the centralized traffic control (CTC) signal system in Cincinnati, Ohio. The subject area is on main tracks Nos. 1 and 2, between control point (CP) East Norwood (milepost (MP) 10.9) and CP NA Tower (MP 7.5) on the Midland Subdivision and between CP Oakley (MP 10.1) and CP Ridge (MP 10.6) on the Oasis Subdivision.

IORY explains that the absolute signals and power-operated switches at CPs East Norwood, Bond Hill, Oakley, and Ridge would be removed. Further, all electric locks in the subject area will be removed, and the signal appliances will be removed from service. In its petition, IORY notes that the “current traffic density and operating characteristics of the territory no longer require” CTC for the safe movement of trains, as the line has no opposing train movements or fleeted operations. IORY adds that replacement parts for the obsolete CTC system are no longer manufactured, and repair options are limited. Finally, IORY states that the proposed operating method of converting the area to yard limit authority will “facilitate more efficient yard operations . . . and reduce the duration of occupancy at adjacent highway-rail grade crossings.”

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 December 21, 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 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 www.transportation.gov/​privacy. See also www.regulations.gov/​privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.

91 FR 66391