U.S. to Dramatically Boost Bridge Safety With 163 New Inspectors

The U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under the Department of Transportation, has announced a significant expansion of its bridge safety oversight program by training an additional 163 federal and state track inspectors to conduct railroad bridge inspections. This increase will elevate the total number of qualified inspectors from fewer than 10 to over 160, marking a pivotal step in addressing long-standing concerns over the structural integrity of aging railroad bridges across the country [1].

The initiative stems from growing concerns about the safety of the U.S. rail infrastructure, much of which was constructed more than a century ago. These structures are now required to support heavier and longer freight loads than ever before. The FRA's decision to train more inspectors is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with the Bridge Safety Standards, which have been in place for years but have not always been enforced effectively. Inspectors will now be empowered to recommend civil penalties for identified defects, compelling rail carriers to rectify issues or face potential fines [2].

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized the administration's commitment to enhancing efficiency and safety, stating that leveraging the existing workforce to improve oversight is a "common-sense win for Americans." Acting FRA Administrator Drew Feeley echoed this sentiment, noting that the expansion will provide more opportunities to confirm the structural soundness of rail bridges. The program also reflects the administration's focus on cost-effective solutions to infrastructure challenges [3].

Jared Cassity, National Safety and Legislative Director for the Service Employees International Union’s Transportation Division (SMART-TD), welcomed the initiative, highlighting the critical role of bridge integrity in the safety of rail workers and the public. The union had been consulted during the planning process and supported the move to utilize existing state track inspectors, who will now receive specialized training to enhance their ability to identify structural deficiencies. Cassity noted that despite these efforts, the sheer number of bridges—over 70,000 nationwide—poses a significant challenge for even this expanded inspector pool [4].

The move has also been supported by the rail industry. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) stated that the initiative complements existing safety programs and will help ensure that rail bridges continue to be structurally sound and properly maintained. However, the issue of confidential bridge inspection reports remains a point of contention. While the FRA will now have more eyes on the ground, railroads are still responsible for conducting their own inspections, and the results will remain confidential due to national security concerns. This has historically made it difficult for state and local officials to access critical information about bridge safety [5].

Looking ahead, the FRA expects to begin the training process in November 2025. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as bridge mechanics, materials (timber, steel, and concrete), and the components of a Bridge Management Program. The program aims to ensure that inspectors are equipped to conduct thorough field assessments and coordinate effectively with rail operators. With more trained personnel and a renewed focus on compliance, the FRA hopes to significantly reduce the risk of bridge failures and enhance overall rail safety for both workers and the public [6].

Source:

[1] FRA Expands Bridge Safety Oversight (https://www.smart-union.org/fra-expands-bridge-safety-oversight/)

[2] US Transportation Department will train 163 railroad track ... (https://apnews.com/article/railroad-bridge-inspections-transportation-department-88c4dadcee31562649da3407867fe513)

[3] Federal Government to Markedly Increase Number of ... (https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska/articles/2025-09-03/federal-government-to-markedly-increase-number-of-inspectors-trained-to-spot-rail-bridge-concerns)

[4] U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy announces major leap ... (https://www.ajot.com/news/u.s-transportation-secretary-duffy-announces-major-leap-forward-in-railroad-bridge-safety-oversight)