FRA Dumps Outdated Rail Safety Rules, Adds Bridge Protections
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 30, 2026, the Federal Railroad Administration is scrapping old railroad safety rules that no longer make sense and adding a new way for companies to keep bridge workers safe with FRA’s okay. They’re also making sure crane operators get better training on things like keeping clearances safe. This update helps railroad workers and companies by cutting red tape without cutting corners on safety.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Petition Process for Bridge Safety
If you are a regulated railroad, you can petition FRA under new Sec. 214.119 to use an alternative bridge worker safety approach that provides an equivalent or better level of safety. Petitions must include contact information, a detailed description of the alternative, and data or analysis showing equivalent safety; FRA will publish a Federal Register notice, allow 30 days for public comment, and normally decide within 90 days. FRA estimates the new petition requirement adds 10 hours annually for the petitioning universe and reports a total annual dollar cost of $891.30 for the petition activity.
Clarified Crane Operator Training Requirement
If you operate roadway maintenance machines with a crane, the rule clarifies that your required training must include specific topics such as maintaining vertical clearance. FRA states it expects this clarification to avoid crane strikes and does not expect any additional burdens from the clarification.
Workers Keep Right to Request Overhead Covers
FRA decided to retain existing paragraph 214.515(b), so workers retain the right to request overhead protection on machines in service that lack adequate overhead covers. The rule also requires defective covers on machines that currently or previously had them to be repaired and maintained in accordance with Sec. 214.531.
Machine Horns and Lights Minimum Standards
Employers must ensure existing on-track roadway maintenance machines have a horn or audible device loud enough to be heard by roadway workers and other machine operators in the immediate work area and a permanent or secure portable light capable of illuminating obstructions on the track ahead for 300 feet under normal conditions when operating between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise (or in dark areas such as tunnels).
Recordkeeping Retention and Small Paperwork Increase
Employers must retain records pertaining to compliance with schedule-of-repairs rules for at least one year and make them available for inspection; records may be kept on the machine or electronically. FRA reports the overall information-collection burden will increase by 10 hours annually (from 5,619 to 5,620 hours) and lists the Sec. 214.119 petition as a 10-hour submission with a total annual dollar cost of $891.30.
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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)
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: 2026-17788, Expanding Certain Locomotive Wheel Set Diameter Variations
This rule amends FRA's locomotive safety regulations to expand the maximum permitted variation in diameter for locomotive wheel sets using alternating current technology, in response to a Class I railroad's May 2019 petition for rulemaking and innovations in traction motor control.
Next: 2026-17790, Retiring Form FRA F 6180.107 and Form FRA F 6180.150
This rule retires Form FRA F 6180.107, "Alternative Record for Illnesses Claimed to be Work-Related" (Form 6180.107), and Form FRA F 6180.150, "Highway User Injury Inquiry Form" (Form 6180.150). This rule also changes the record retention period required under FRA's accident reporting regulations and makes other technical corrections.