The nation’s freight railroads will now be permitted to reduce the frequency of in-person track inspections, relying more heavily on advanced technology. This shift, approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), allows for fewer manual checks while maintaining safety standards through automated systems. The decision stems from a waiver request by the Association of American Railroads, citing the effectiveness of modern inspection technology.
Key Takeaways
- Railroads can now inspect tracks once a week, down from previous requirements.
- Serious track defects must be repaired immediately, with all defects addressed within 24 hours.
- A union representing track inspectors expresses concerns about technology’s ability to detect certain issues.
Technology Takes the Lead in Track Monitoring
The Federal Railroad Administration has granted a waiver allowing freight railroads to decrease the frequency of manual track inspections. This move is based on the increasing sophistication of automated track inspection technology, which uses cameras and lasers on locomotives or railcars to detect alignment and shifting issues. The Association of American Railroads argued that this technology is highly effective at identifying problems early, potentially making less frequent human oversight sufficient.
Reduced Inspection Frequency and Repair Timelines
Under the new waiver, railroads can reduce track inspections to once a week. While the railroads had sought up to three days to repair identified defects, the FRA mandated that serious issues must be repaired immediately, and all defects must be addressed within a 24-hour window. This ensures that while technology is leveraged, safety remains paramount.
Union Voices Concerns Over Technological Limitations
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, representing track inspectors, has raised concerns that current automated systems cannot detect all types of track defects. These include issues like shifting rocks beneath the track, encroaching vegetation, rail cracks, or rotting railroad ties. Union president Tony Cardwell stated that the technology has not advanced significantly and can miss subtle, cumulative defects that human inspectors might notice.
Railroads’ Counterarguments and Safety Data
Railroad companies contend that while their automated systems may not directly detect issues like ballast shifting or rotting ties, they will observe the resulting impact on track geometry. Mike Rush, senior vice president of safety and operations for the Association of American Railroads, explained that the system monitors the overall performance of track components, inferring problems from deviations in track alignment. BNSF railroad presented data from tests showing that their automated systems detected significantly more defects per mile than manual inspections alone, suggesting improved safety and efficiency.
Reallocation of Inspector Focus
Railroads also argue that reducing the burden of routine inspections will allow human inspectors to dedicate more time to critical manual checks of switches and other equipment. Norfolk Southern noted that during their testing period, this reallocation led to improvements in areas not covered by automated systems. Furthermore, special inspections will still be conducted following significant weather events like storms or flooding to ensure track integrity.
Sources
- Railroads will be allowed to reduce inspections, rely more on technology, ABC News.
- Use of Automated Track Technology Will Allow Railroads to Reduce Inspections, Carrier Management.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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