BNSF Railway Pushes to Keep Laser Track Checks Rolling Longer
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Notice
Summary
BNSF Railway asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend a special permission that lets them use high-tech tools alongside regular track checks instead of just old-school visual inspections. This extension would cover three big rail areas and last six more months past January 19, 2026. If approved, it means safer tracks with fewer defects, and the public can share their thoughts by December 19, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
BNSF Seeks Six-Month Inspection Waiver Extension
BNSF asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend a waiver so it can keep using a track geometry measurement system (TGMS) together with visual inspections instead of only visual track inspections. The petition covers the Powder River Division, the Southern Transcon corridor, and the Northern Transcon corridor and requests relief for a six-month period from its expiration date (January 19, 2026).
BNSF Reports Fewer Track Defects Under Waiver
BNSF states that the three territories covered by the waiver have seen "substantial improvements" in defect rates compared to their pre-waiver periods. That claim is part of BNSF's rationale for asking FRA to extend the waiver.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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