FRA's Yawn-Inducing Call for Paperwork Feedback
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on a paperwork update that affects railroad companies and workers. They’re asking for comments by May 14, 2026, before the Office of Management and Budget decides to approve it. No one commented last time, so now’s your chance to speak up about any time or cost changes this might bring!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork Burden on Railroads
The Federal Railroad Administration says this information collection affects 53 railroads and estimates 1,837,850 total annual responses, 22,973 annual burden hours, and a yearly burden-hour dollar cost equivalent of $1,656,812.76. The ICR (OMB Control Number 2130-0516) is an extension without change and respondents must keep related records on occasion.
Switch Operation Safety Record Rule
Rules at 49 CFR 218.30 and 218.77 require remotely controlled switches to be properly lined to protect workers; switch operators must remove locking devices only after the person in charge confirms it is safe. Operators must also maintain a record of each protection request for 15 days to document worker or camp car protection.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
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)
The Federal Railroad Administration is stepping up safety for railroad crews pushing or shoving trains across crossings with just flashing lights or passive warnings. After more accidents, including one death, they’re adding new rules: railroads must hold in-person safety briefings and review training programs. These changes aim to keep workers safer without extra costs or delays.
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
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reminding railroads and their workers to stick to 'restricted speed' rules to keep trains safe. This comes after seven recent accidents where trains didn’t slow down enough, especially in areas with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. Railroads need to double-check their training and testing to make sure everyone can stop trains safely, or else risk more accidents and possible fines.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07174, Indian Gaming; Approval of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and State of Washington Gaming Compact
The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and Washington State just got the green light to update their gaming deal, letting the tribe run two gaming spots instead of one. They can now offer electronic table games and set new betting limits starting April 14, 2026. This means more fun and bigger gaming options for players, with fresh rules to keep things fair and exciting.
Next: 2026-07176, National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate: Implementation Guidance and Inspection Standards for the HOME Investment Partnerships and Housing Trust Fund Programs
HUD is rolling out new, clear rules for inspecting homes funded by the HOME and Housing Trust Fund programs to make sure properties are safe and well-maintained. These changes affect local groups and grantees who manage these homes, giving them more time to follow the new standards—until April 2027 for most. This update helps everyone keep housing quality high while easing the transition with extended deadlines.