FRA Scraps Unneeded Track Surface Runoff Requirement
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FRA is removing a rule about track surface runoff for tracks Classes 1 through 5 because other rules already keep things safe. This change affects railroads and helps simplify track inspections without costing extra money. It’s a smart update that keeps safety strong while cutting unnecessary steps.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13296 — Petition for Approval of Test Program
Union Pacific Railroad wants to test a new locomotive control system that could make train operations safer by letting operators control trains right where the work happens. To do this, they’re asking the government to temporarily pause some safety rules during the test. If approved, the public can share their thoughts by August 31, 2026, and this test could change how trains run without extra costs for now.
2026-12849 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
The Virginia Museum of Transportation asked for a special pass to skip removing a fragile brick inside their steam locomotive during yearly inspections. They say taking the brick out usually breaks it, but they can still check it well enough with less damage. People have until August 24, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could save time and money while keeping the train safe.
2026-11515 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance
The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) wants to renew a special permission to skip some brake tests on their transfer trains because their blast furnace is firing back up in 2026. This means trains will start running again, and they need the waiver to keep things moving smoothly without extra brake checks. The public can share their thoughts by August 10, 2026, before the decision is made.
2026-11516 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
St. Mary's Railway West wants to keep its special safety break that lets train workers report close calls without fear of punishment. This helps everyone stay safer by encouraging honest sharing of near-misses. The public can share their thoughts on this by August 10, 2026, but no money changes are involved.
2026-11509 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
NJ Transit wants to keep a special break from some railroad safety rules for its River Line train that runs between Camden and Trenton, NJ. This extension helps them run and maintain their trains more smoothly without extra hassle. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by August 10, 2026!
2026-11276 — Long Island Rail Road's Request To Amend Its Positive Train Control System
The Long Island Rail Road wants to make some changes to its safety system that helps prevent train crashes, called Positive Train Control (PTC). They asked the government for approval on May 21, 2026, and now the public can share their thoughts until June 25, 2026. These updates aim to keep trains safer without causing delays or extra costs for riders.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-12188 — Removing Stenciling Requirement for Freight Cars Used for Tourist, Historic, Excursion, Educational, Recreational, or Private Purposes and Not Interchanged
If you own or operate old freight cars just for fun—like tourist rides, historic trips, or private use—and don’t swap them with other railroads, you won’t have to paint those annoying stencil markings anymore. This change makes life easier and saves money for folks keeping railroad history alive. It kicks in once the rule is official, so get ready to enjoy simpler rules soon!
Next: 2025-12192 — Repealing Special Approval Requirement for Freight Cars More Than 50 Years Old
The FRA is making it easier for railroads to use freight cars over 50 years old by removing the need for special approval. Instead, these older cars just need to pass regular safety checks like inspections and brake tests. This change speeds things up, keeps safety strong, and saves railroads time and hassle.