The Federal Railroad Administration will expand the number of inspectors monitoring railroad bridges from fewer than 10 to more than 160.
The new inspectors, including federal track inspectors and state partners, will receive training to evaluate railroads’ compliance with Bridge Safety Standards during regular field inspections. FRA said the expanded effort could lead to recommendations for civil penalties when defects are discovered.
Until now, a small FRA team has overseen railroads’ bridge management programs to ensure safe maintenance practices. With several states requesting to join the effort, FRA is using its existing authority to allow state inspectors to assist federal staff in reviewing bridge safety.
Officials said the expansion provides critical resources to strengthen oversight and improve the safety of the national rail network.
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