The Federal Railroad Administration has approved a temporary waiver allowing U.S. railroads to expand field testing of automated track inspection (ATI) technology.
The five-year waiver permits rail operators to use ATI systems alongside routine visual inspections. The technology aims to identify track defects or hazards that may not be detected through standard inspection methods.
The approval allows railroads to collect operational data to evaluate how ATI tools can support track safety programs. The testing will inform future decisions on the broader use of automated inspection technologies across the rail network.
The waiver applies nationwide and covers demonstrations of ATI systems under real-world operating conditions. Railroads will continue to conduct required visual inspections during the testing period.
The expanded testing program seeks to improve early detection of track conditions and support ongoing rail safety and maintenance efforts.