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Smarter tracks, safer rail: How track geometry technology enhances railroad operations
Jul 14, 2025
At Norfolk Southern, we’re continuously investing in innovative technologies and our railroaders to enhance the safety, reliability, and fluidity of our operations. One such advancement is combining our Automated Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS) with the expertise of our team.
Enhancing track safety through innovation
ATGMS is a series of lasers and other technology affixed underneath locomotives that continuously measure track geometry. As the locomotives travel, the technology searches for factors like alignment, gauge, and elevation, finding subtle changes in the track’s geometry that points to different types of defects, including broken rails, rotten ties, and changes in the track support structure.
Potential issues emerge before the human eye can detect them. This proactive approach allows our skilled track inspectors to address maintenance needs promptly, reducing the risk of service disruptions, and enhancing overall safety.
Lasers and other technology affixed to the bottom of our locomotives scan rail. This technology, combined with the expertise of our railroaders, produces a safer, more efficient rail network.
“On top of these safety advantages, the work is done while our locomotives are pulling freight across the country, so we’re also gaining capacity and fluidity benefits while delivering for our customers,” said Mabby Amouie, AVP of Enterprise Data and Analytics.
Empowering our railroaders
Automated inspections empower our highly trained inspectors. With routine measurements handled automatically, our teams can focus on complex, specialized visual inspections, such as switches and crossings. It also enhances employee safety by reducing the time spent walking on tracks or operating high-rail vehicles, like pickup trucks outfitted for tracks.
Combining sensors, analytics, and repeated data collection helps our railroaders:
- Continuously scan track conditions across long distances
- Detect and flag issues before they impact safety or service
- Provide a clearer, more complete picture of track health
By freeing up time and supporting better decision-making, ATGMS helps our railroaders do what they do best: maximize their judgment and problem-solving skills where they’re needed most.
Reliable service for business
Reducing delays tied to manual inspection schedules and increasing overall track availability means freight moves more fluidly. That means more consistent, reliable service for the businesses and communities that depend on us. The implementation of the geometry technology reflects our ongoing effort to build a safer, more fluid railroad.
“We keep our customers in mind with every aspect of building the railroad of the future. Whenever we can enhance safety and the customer experience while putting our railroaders in places to succeed, that’s a big win for every stakeholder,” said Dustin K. Lange, Senior Director of Engineering.”
Learn more about our rail safety technologies here.
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