Union Pacific expands automated track inspection coverage to target geometry defects earlier

Union Pacific is expanding its Automated Track Inspection program to sharpen track monitoring and target maintenance on routes covered by a Federal Railroad Administration waiver.

The railroad plans to keep inspection frequency above the once-a-week waiver requirement as it scales coverage beyond the 29,000 track miles reached in June.

The strategy centers on using sensor-based detection to surface track geometry defects earlier, then directing crews to conduct special inspections in higher-risk areas.

Union Pacific aims to improve maintenance prioritization by separating defects requiring immediate action from those suitable for routine work, with 96% of waiver-route defects flagged since March falling into the routine category.