Remotely Controlled Switch Operations Information Collection Request

Content

ACTION:

Notice of information collection; request for comment.

SUMMARY:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding
the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment.
The ICR describes the information collection and its expected burden. On January 30, 2026, FRA published a notice providing
a 60-day period for public comment on the ICR. FRA received no comments in response to the notice.

DATES:

Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before May 14, 2026.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find the particular ICR by selecting “Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: joanne.swafford@dot.gov or telephone: (757) 897-9908.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to issue two notices
seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On January 30, 2026, FRA published a 60-day notice in the
Federal Register
soliciting public comment on the ICR for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 91 FR 4164. FRA received zero comments related to the proposed collection of information.

Before OMB decides whether to approve this proposed collection of information, it must provide 30 days' notice for public
comment. Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice
is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b) and (c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 60 FR 44978, 44983 (Aug. 29, 1995). The 30-day notice informs the regulated community of their opportunity to file relevant
comments and affords the agency adequate time to consider public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983 (Aug.
29, 1995). Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure
having their full effect.

Comments are invited on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA
to properly execute its functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA's
estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions
used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected;
and (4) ways to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.

The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires:

Title: Remotely Controlled Switch Operations.

OMB Control Number: 2130-0516.

Abstract: 49 CFR 218.30 and 218.77 require that remotely controlled switches be properly lined to protect workers as they inspect or
service rolling equipment or occupied camp cars on track. These sections require the operators of the remotely controlled
switches to remove the locking device controlling the switches only once they have been informed by the person in charge of
the workers that it is safe to do so. In addition, these operators are required to maintain a record of each protection request
for 15 days. Operators of remotely controlled switches use the information in this record to document protection of workers
or camp cars. This record also serves as a valuable resource for railroad supervisors as well as FRA and State inspectors
monitoring regulatory compliance.

Type of Request: Extension without change (with changes in estimates) of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Businesses.

Form(s): N/A.

Respondent Universe: 53 railroads.

Frequency of Submission: On occasion.

Total Estimated Annual Responses: 1,837,850.

Total Estimated Annual Burden: 22,973 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $1,656,812.76.

FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection
of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

Christopher S. Van Nostrand, Deputy Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2026-07175 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

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