FRA Expands Bridge Safety Oversight

This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under the Trump Administration, announced a major expansion of their capacity to inspect railroad bridges across the nation.  

For years, railroaders have voiced concerns about the bridges we travel over every day. Many of these structures were built more than a century ago, at a time when trains were far shorter and lighter than the massive loads they now carry.  

Many of us saw the NPR and Howard Center short film that spoke to how poor our bridge inspection process is, which became nightmare fuel for any railroader who watched it. Every one of us has felt that moment of unease rolling across an aging bridge and wondered if gruesome photos of our train would appear on tonight’s news. 

Retraining Existing Staff Grows Rail Inspectors From 6 to 169 

Until now, there were only six trained FRA bridge inspectors tasked with covering the entire United States. FRA is training an additional 163 Federal and State Track Inspectors to perform railroad bridge inspections in addition to their existing duties. The number of eyes on our bridges will jump from fewer than 10 to 169 inspectors nationwide. 

Inspectors will be able to recommend civil penalties when defects are found and force rail carriers to bring bridges up to code—or face fines. This expansion indicates the FRA plans to finally hold railroads accountable. 

Secretary Duffy and FRA Administrator Feeley Emphasize Responsibility and Efficiency 

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said: 

“The Trump Administration is delivering on its promises to make government more efficient and keep travelers safe. Leveraging our existing, dedicated workforce to improve oversight of railroad bridge safety is another common-sense win for Americans.” 

Acting FRA Administrator Drew Feeley added: 

“The Bridge Safety Standards have long helped assure that railroad bridges are safe. The addition of this training for existing inspectors will give FRA many more opportunities to confirm the structural soundness of railroad bridges. We will continue to find new and cost-effective ways to improve safety.” 

SMART-TD Was Consulted, Helped Inform FRA’s Decision to Act 

Our voices were part of this effort. When the Administration began considering this initiative, they reached out to us directly. Our National Safety and Legislative Director, Jared Cassity, was quoted in the official announcement, emphasizing just how critical bridge safety is to the men and women we represent: 

“The safety of the railroad system relies upon a multitude of components, but few are as critical to the public and the men and women we represent as the integrity of the bridges America’s trains traverse. That’s why SMART-TD is encouraged to see the Trump Administration taking action to increase the number of inspectors qualified to inspect bridges by utilizing the existing State Track Inspectors and providing them with the necessary training to ensure rail carrier compliance on bridge safety.” 

A Safer Future for Rail Workers 

This development is a clear step forward in addressing one of the most pressing safety concerns facing rail workers today. While there is more work to be done, FRA’s expansion of bridge inspections means more accountability, more oversight, and ultimately, safer tracks for our members and the communities we serve. 

You can read the full FRA press release here ►