Safety
Norfolk Southern creates, deploys autonomous track inspection system
(Source: Progressive Railroading 03/06/2020) Norfolk Southern Railway yesterday announced it achieved a “breakthrough” in track inspection technology designed to enhance railroad safety and operating efficiencies. NS officials say the Class I is the first North American freight railroad to develop and deploy an autonomous track geometry measurement system that is mounted on a locomotive. The NS…
Read MoreFRA issues ‘risk reduction’ rule for freight railroads
(Source: Progressive Railroading 02/19/2020) The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a final rule that launches the Risk Reduction Program to support an increasing standard of safety for Class Is, agency officials announced yesterday. The final rule requires the nation’s largest freight railroads to develop and implement an FRA-approved risk-reduction plan that identifies and analyzes hazards and associated risks…
Read MoreHouse railroad subcommittee slates hearing on grade crossing safety
(Source: Progressive Railroading 01/31/2020) The U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials will hold a hearing next week on the topic of grade crossing safety. Titled “Tracking Toward Zero: Improving Grade Crossing Safety and Addressing Community Concerns,” the hearing will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) Feb. 5 at the Rayburn House Office Building in…
Read MoreFRA NPRMs address track, brake inspection requirements
(Source: Railway Age, December 19, 2019) NEW YORK — The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Dec. 19 issued two Notices of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs), one updating current Track Safety Standards (TSS), the other updating existing Brake System Safety (BSS) requirements. FRA said the proposed rules changes are designed “to promote safety innovation and reduce unnecessary…
Read MoreUP says PTC implementation is complete; Interoperability efforts continue
(Source: Union Pacific press release, December 16, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Union Pacific recently completed Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation, activating its final track segment. The technology is now implemented on all the company’s federally mandated rail lines, including required passenger train routes. Union Pacific will continue working with partner railroads on their interoperability efforts, ensuring…
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