Federal Register #FRA-2025-0121

Final rule provides regulatory relief for locomotive horn sounding patterns at public highway-rail grade crossings

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a final rule amending safety standards for locomotive horn sounding at public highway-rail grade crossings. - Government Buyer: - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned; this is a regulatory rule change - Products/Services Requested: - No products, services, part numbers, or purchase quantities are requested - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Engineers may use a single horn blast instead of the traditional pattern when entering a crossing after stopping nearby - Flexibility is granted if crossings are unobstructed, gates are lowered, or no conflicting traffic is present - Eliminates the need for waiver petitions for railroads seeking relief from mandatory horn sounding patterns - Focuses on reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining safety

Description

This final rule amends safety standards related to the use of locomotive horns at public highway-rail grade crossings. It provides regulatory relief by allowing locomotive engineers to vary the required horn sounding pattern from two long blasts, one short blast, and one long blast to a single blast when entering a nearby crossing after having stopped in close proximity. The rule aims to reduce burdens on railroads and communities by providing greater flexibility and eliminating the need for waiver petitions. The rule is effective September 30, 2026.

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