The US Transportation Department has expanded railroad bridge safety coverage, training 163 inspectors nationwide to boost monitoring, ensure compliance, and enhance long-term safety across the American rail network.

US DOT Expands Oversight of Railroad Bridge Safety Nationwide
Photo: Amtrak’s Dock Bridge

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

New Program Targets Railroad Bridge Safety Improvements

Before, fewer than ten inspectors personally inspected bridge programs. The Federal Railroad Administration will now expand capacity by training track inspectors on bridge fundamentals, structural inspections, and federal Bridge Safety Standards.

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Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized the program will utilize staff more efficiently. Therefore, the program will multiply oversight opportunities, with costs remaining under control. Government representatives describe the effort as a “common-sense win” for commuters.

FRA Enhances Training and National Compliance Initiative

The training will cover materials such as timber, steel, and concrete and bridge management practices. The inspectors will also be trained on inter-agency coordination practices for improved enforcement of safety requirements.

FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley said the effort will also result in increased inspections and closer audits of compliance. State partners, meanwhile, welcomed their new role of partnership, saying they requested more direct involvement in bridge safety enforcement.

The SMART Union’s Jared Cassity explained how safe bridges matter for maintaining public trust and safeguarding workers. The program keeps carriers accountable, he said, and enhances national infrastructure’s long-term resilience.

Source: railway-news.com

What is the US DOT doing to upgrade railroad bridge safety?

The US DOT stepped up coverage by training 163 inspectors nationwide, performing more routine checks, more efficient Bridge Safety Standards enforcement, and better compliance across the national network.

Who will conduct the new bridge inspections?

The federal and state railroad inspectors will specifically be trained to assess bridge integrity. They will also examine for compliance and provide penalty recommendations for serious safety violations.

What makes railroad bridge oversight crucial?

The railroad bridge is central to freight and passenger safety. Effective oversight reduces hazards, builds more confidence among the public, and ensures future integrity of key infrastructure.

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