Norfolk Southern announces new safety protocols to prevent future train derailments
Under Norfolk Southern Railroad’s new safety plan, the company will be installing more temperature sensors along rail lines to measure the output on train wheel bearings as they are in motion. These sensors will also issue early warnings of possible excess vibration within the track, signaling possible incident. This plan is be unveiled in the wake of two train derailments in Ohio - one of which resulted in a massive chemical spill that has risked the health of nearby residents and wildlife in East Palestine.
Heat sensors can detect an increase in temperature, indicating a potential fire before it spreads and causes significant damage. In the case of a train derailment, the heat sensors can quickly detect the rise in temperature and alert the authorities to take appropriate action. Additionally, train derailments can cause significant delays and disruption to train schedules. By detecting a fire early, heat sensors can help minimize delays by allowing authorities to take action quickly and prevent further damage to the tracks.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy slammed Amtrak for a power outage that disrupted Amtrak and NJ Transit services for hours, calling it an "unmitigated disaster."