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CSX to Deploy Automated Track Inspection Across Network Starting July

The Federal Railroad Administration has greenlit a five-year waiver enabling railroads to expand use of Automated Track Inspection technology. Major carrier CSX is set to begin deployment on portions of its network July 1, 2026.

The initiative allows ATI systems—which use lasers, cameras, sensors, and ground-penetrating radar mounted on standard freight trains—to scan tracks at normal operating speeds while measuring rail alignment, gauge distance, and track geometry under loaded train weight.

Traditional manual inspections, required twice weekly on busy main lines under federal regulation, will continue alongside the automated systems. Human inspectors verify all findings before repairs are scheduled.

The waiver permits railroads to reduce some visual inspection frequencies while maintaining human verification of critical discoveries. The FRA will monitor safety data throughout the five-year testing period to evaluate effectiveness against conventional inspection methods.