FREIGHT RAIL AUTOMATED TRACK INSPECTION KEY FACTS
- ATI improves safety and efficiency beyond outdated manual-only rules.
- It reduces risk to workers, detects defects more accurately, and speeds up repairs.
- Blending ATI with visual checks boosts rail safety while increasing network capacity.
Sustained railroad infrastructure investment and advancements in track safety—through technologies like automated track inspections (ATI), improved track components, and enhanced maintenance practices—have led to significant safety gains. Consequently, freight rail is one of the safest industries in the nation.
Railroads are use sophisticated automated technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability across the network. Advanced data analytics, predictive maintenance, and automation enable smarter decision-making and proactive issue resolution. By harnessing AI and machine learning, railroads process vast amounts of real-time data to optimize performance and reduce disruptions.
Technological solutions are imperative to achieving an accident-free future. While not mutually exclusive, ATI technologies that track geometry conditions outperform mandated manual inspections. These inspections use only the human eye and handheld tools. Data shows that blending ATI with visual inspections further increases rail safety. These innovations, alongside broader automation efforts, are driving the future of freight rail. They ensure a safer and more efficient transportation system.
Track inspections regulations are as old as 8 track tapes.
In 1971 (before the Staggers Act of 1980 reduced railroad economic regulation), FRA set the frequency visual track inspections must occur. These inspections involve a track inspector visually looking at railroad tracks. Inspectors use handheld measuring tools either on foot or while traveling in a truck specially designed to drive on railroad tracks (known as a hi-rail vehicle).
Today, trucks drive themselves, drones deliver food, and virtual assistants help run our everyday lives. But still, freight railroads are forced to operate under the same visual track inspection regulations from 1971. This was a time when the 8-track tape player was considered cutting-edge technology.
Railroads want to use updated technology to make the network safer.
ATI enables railroads to measure how the track structure performs under the load of a train. ATI systems use lasers and cameras mounted onto locomotives or rail cars and inspect track as the train travels across the network. The system tests each foot of track under the same force as exerted by a loaded train. The data from the inspection devices transmits to a centralized location. Then, employees schedule maintenance as necessary.
Railroads can inspect hundreds of thousands of miles per year by placing the automated equipment on a locomotive or in a boxcar. Railroads are looking to apply to expand testing along mainline routes, which covers most Class I trackage. At the same time, visual inspections will still be done at a reduced level.
- Speeding Up Safety Inspections: ATI systems are a vital railroad safety tool for reducing track-caused derailments. Both freight railroads and the FRA have invested millions in this technology. This detects track geometry defects more accurately, consistently, and frequently than visual inspections. Thus, it enables faster repairs. ATI also generates extensive safety data, helping railroads assess track conditions. This enhances preventative maintenance and optimizes short- and long-term capital investments.
- Safeguarding Rail Employees: ATI technology enhances safety by reducing track inspectors’ exposure to risk along the railroad right-of-way. FRA data shows frequent hi-rail vehicle accidents, particularly at highway-rail grade crossings. By integrating ATI into routine train movements—especially on high-speed main tracks—railroads can meet inspection mandates while minimizing unnecessary track occupancy. This lowers the risk to inspectors.
- Improving Efficiency & Capacity: The blended use of ATI with visual inspections reduces the need for track inspectors to halt or slow down train traffic. This is to fulfill a visual inspection frequency. This aspect of ATI improves network capacity and reduces the number of opportunities for blocked crossing occurrences. FRA has been using automated track inspection geometry vehicles to improve track safety for over 30 years.