Agency to use special track inspection vehicles
The Federal Railroad Administration is investing in three new automated track inspection cars during the next 18 months that will enable the agency to analyze 100,000 miles of track each year, triple the amount currently inspected, the Department of Transportation said.
The vehicles detect track defects much more quickly than visual checks, leading to faster repairs. The first vehicle is scheduled to make its first run through Gulf Coast and Midwestern states.
The DOT said the new vehicles are part of its National Rail Safety Action Plan.