Automation on the Rails: FRA Weighs a New Era in Track Safety

FRA reviews plan for blended automated and manual rail inspections as carriers test new systems

10 May 2025

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is weighing a proposal that could allow US rail operators to pair automated inspection systems with traditional manual checks, a move that may redefine track safety oversight for the first time in decades.

The petition, submitted by the Association of American Railroads (AAR), requests approval for a "blended" inspection model that combines technology with human assessment. The automated systems, which use lasers, sensors and data analytics, are designed to detect cracks, shifts and other flaws that may not be visible during routine visual inspections.

Major freight carriers including Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific have already begun testing the technology. Early trials indicate that automation can improve the accuracy and speed of inspections while enhancing maintenance planning.

"Automation helps us act before a minor issue turns into a major disruption," said an AAR spokesperson.

Labour unions have urged caution, stressing that the new systems must not replace experienced inspectors. "Machines can't always see what trained workers can," said a representative from the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. Passenger safety advocates have also warned that overreliance on automation could introduce new risks, particularly in dense or high-traffic rail corridors.

For regulators, the proposal highlights the challenge of promoting innovation while maintaining public safety. Analysts say that if approved, the policy could accelerate investment in digital analytics, sensor networks and predictive maintenance tools, advancing a long-term shift toward smarter and more resilient rail infrastructure.

The FRA's decision is expected in the coming months. Whether the agency opts for limited trials or broad adoption, the proposal signals a gradual shift in how America's railroads monitor and maintain their tracks-balancing digital precision with human. judgment.