Federal Rail Agency Probes Public on Info Collection Plans
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for your thoughts on a new paperwork plan they want to send to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. This affects anyone who deals with FRA’s information requests, and you have until March 20, 2026, to share your comments. No big costs or changes yet—just a chance to weigh in before the paperwork gets the green light!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork Burden for Track Owners
Railroads, track owners, States, the District of Columbia, and political subdivisions must keep complying with FRA’s information collections under the Bridge Safety Standards. FRA estimates a respondent universe of 784 track owners, 50 States and DC, and 200 political subdivisions with a total of 200,480 annual responses, 34,616 total annual burden hours, and a total annual burden dollar cost equivalent of $3,085,383.04.
Bridge Worker Safety Net Testing Rules
Bridge safety nets used as fall protection must be drop-tested at the job site after initial installation and before use, after major repairs, and at 6-month intervals if left at one site; if a drop-test is not feasible, the railroad, railroad contractor, or a designated certified person must provide written certification that the net meets the standards in 49 CFR 214.105. FRA and State inspectors use this information to enforce the rule.
Public Access to Bridge Inspection Reports
Under the FAST Act and FRA implementation, a State or a political subdivision can obtain a public version of a railroad-generated bridge inspection report by using FRA’s "Bridge Inspection Report Public Version Request Form" (FRA F 6180.167); FRA notes it developed that form to facilitate such requests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-19031, Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only With Flashing Lights or Passive Warning Devices (Supplement)
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2026-18981, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect information from the public and railroad companies. They’re checking if the questions they ask are useful, clear, and not too much work. You’ve got until November 16, 2026, to share your ideas before they ask for official approval, and this won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time!
2026-18982, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan that helps them do their job better. If you’re involved with railroads or just curious, you can comment by November 16, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might ask for some time to share your input online.
2026-18986, Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now in charge of handling environmental reviews for railroad projects instead of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This change means ODOT must follow strict rules and is responsible for making sure projects meet environmental laws. The FRA is checking ODOT’s work with yearly audits for the next four years, and everyone can comment on the first audit report by October 16, 2026.
2026-17996, Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03145, Agency Information Collection Activities; Request for Public Comment
The Department of Labor wants your thoughts on keeping some paperwork rules the same for now. This affects businesses and nonprofits who help manage employee benefit plans, with no new changes or extra costs proposed. You’ve got until April 20, 2026, to share your feedback and help keep things running smoothly!
Next: 2026-03147, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants to collect some new information and is asking the public to share their thoughts by March 20, 2026. This affects anyone who deals with railroad paperwork, but so far, no one has commented. The agency is making sure the process is clear and fair before moving forward, with no extra costs expected.