WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced significant measures last week aimed at strengthening infrastructure safety, unveiling plans to dramatically expand railroad bridge inspections and awarding $86 million in grants to support state pipeline safety programs.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized that the initiatives reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to improving public safety while modernizing oversight systems for critical infrastructure.
Railroad Bridge Safety Expansion
On September 3, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced plans to increase the number of inspectors qualified to evaluate railroad bridge safety from fewer than 10 to more than 160. The initiative leverages existing federal and state track inspectors, who will undergo specialized training beginning in November.
Under the new program, inspectors will assess compliance with Bridge Safety Standards during routine field inspections and recommend civil penalties if critical defects are found. The expanded oversight builds on the FRA’s existing audits of railroads’ bridge management programs but significantly increases the agency’s capacity to monitor infrastructure.
“The safety of the railroad system depends heavily on the integrity of its bridges,” said FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley. “By training additional inspectors, we’re creating more opportunities to confirm the structural soundness of these vital components of the rail network.”
The training will cover a range of topics, including bridge mechanics, timber and steel structures, inspection protocols, and the components of an effective Bridge Management Program. The goal, according to the FRA, is to ensure uniform oversight and enhance safety across the nation’s rail system.
$86 Million for Pipeline Safety
On September 4, DOT announced $86 million in grants to bolster state-level oversight of the country’s extensive pipeline network. Administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the funding supports inspections and enforcement efforts for more than 85% of the nation’s 3.3 million miles of pipelines.
The funding includes:
- $82 million in Pipeline Safety State Base Grants, which reimburse up to 80% of state costs related to personnel, equipment, and safety inspections.
- $4 million in Underground Natural Gas Storage Grants to assist states in monitoring and securing storage facilities.
PHMSA Acting Administrator Ben Kochman underscored the agency’s reliance on state partnerships to maintain energy infrastructure safety. “We remain committed to supporting our state partners with grants, training, and resources essential to carrying out their mission,” Kochman said.
Strengthening Oversight and Public Safety
DOT officials said the dual initiatives reflect a broader strategy to modernize safety oversight and reinforce federal-state collaboration. While FRA expands bridge inspection capabilities to prevent structural failures, PHMSA’s funding aims to mitigate risks in the nation’s vast energy transport network.
Secretary Duffy highlighted the administration’s priorities: “Safety is the number one priority of the Department of Transportation. These actions support our ongoing efforts to keep communities safe while ensuring our infrastructure continues to power America’s economy.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.