Norfolk Southern rolls out automated system to measure track conditions

Norfolk Southern Railway recently developed and rolled out its new automated track geometry measurement system (ATGMS), the Class I announced yesterday on social media.

The ATGMS uses NS locomotives to continuously scan and evaluate track conditions in real time. Unlike traditional inspection methods that rely on dedicated geometry cars or manual checks, ATGMS operates autonomously and under load, meaning inspections happen while trains are in motion. This approach increases the inspection frequency without adding extra equipment or disrupting operations, NS officials explained in a Story Yard post on the Class I's website. 

ATGMS is powered by advanced sensors and lasers mounted underneath locomotives to measure critical aspects of track geometry such as alignment, gauge, elevation and curvature. The data captured detects changes that could indicate potential defects like broken rails, deteriorating ties or shifts on the track.

NS is operating ATGMS-equipped locomotives on key corridors, including the mainline between Norfolk, Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio, NS officials said. The Class I will continue to refine and expand the technology across its network, they added.