OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Norfolk Southern has installed the first of what will be more than a dozen of a new generation of automated inspection portals on its tracks in Ohio — not far from where one of its trains derailed in February and spilled hazardous chemicals that caught fire.
The new portals are equipped with high-speed cameras that will take hundreds of pictures of every passing rail car to help quickly identify defects on moving trains.
The pictures are analyzed by artificial intelligence software. Other major railroads have invested in similar inspection technology to supplement — and where regulators approve it, replace — human inspections.
University of Delaware railroad safety expert Allan Zarembski said it’s significant that Norfolk Southern is investing in so many of these portals.
Soil removal nearly done, but cleanup isn’t over
The removal of contaminated soil from the site of the derailment in East Palestine is expected to be completed sometime this weekend although the larger cleanup will continue.
EPA officials and the railroad announced the milestone Thursday nearly nine months after the derailment that forced thousands from their homes and left residents with many lingering health worries.
More than 167,000 tons of contaminated soil and more than 39 million gallons of tainted water have been removed from the site since February.
Area residents still have lingering fears about potential health effects from the assortment of toxic chemicals that spilled, and the vinyl chloride that was released a few days after the crash to keep five tank cars from exploding.