Steel Mill Trains Request Brake-Test Holiday Restart
Published Date: 6/9/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver to Skip Transfer Brake Tests
The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis petitioned FRA to renew a waiver from 49 CFR 232.215 so it can skip the required transfer train brake test and instead perform a Class III (trainline continuity) inspection and a roll-by inspection, with a Class I brake test after about 2.95 miles. TRRA says walking conditions near the Blast Furnace are unsafe, notes the prior waiver (which expired April 4, 2019) had no incidents, and requests permanent relief; FRA will accept comments through August 10, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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