Inspection and Detection

BNSF regularly conducts extensive track, bridge, rail and weather event inspections across our network, meeting all federal requirements.

We use a combination of instrumental rail cars and trucks, bridge inspection vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and specially trained inspectors. Our tools include autonomous track measurement systems, ultrasound for internal rail inspections, ground penetrating radar, high-definition cameras and accelerometers to analyze roadbed, track and bridges.

Our Network Operations Center in Fort Worth is linked to WeatherData Services, Inc., to obtain advance warnings of adverse weather that might affect our rail operations. The center also has a direct link to the California Institute of Technology for real-time updates about earthquake activity to help us ensure the safety of our operation and employees.