Technology Section

Innovating Rail for the Next Century

Railroads have long been pioneers of technological innovation, and this Section honors that legacy by focusing on the next generation of breakthroughs. From the early days of steam engines to today’s advancements in artificial intelligence and drone technology, rail has continually pushed the boundaries of safety, efficiency, and performance. Members of this Section explore cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that rail remains at the forefront of progress, carrying forward its tradition of shaping industries and connecting the world through technological evolution.

Our Vision

The Technology Section traces rail’s long-standing legacy of innovation while embracing the cutting-edge advancements shaping its future. From pioneering use of drones and data analytics to leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced operations, this Section explores transformative technologies that are redefining the industry. It also highlights critical issues such as rail-highway grade separations, the role of remote sensing in boosting safety and sustainability, and the evolving Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) standards for underground investigations. This Section stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, driving rail’s technological progress.

Meet the Leaders

Travis Looney
Travis Looney LinkedIn

Chair

Vice President -
LSW Land Services

Allison Yanites
Allison Yanites LinkedIn

Vice Chair

Environmental Services -
Standardization,
Augmentation,
Digitization
Arcadis

Michael Schmedt
Michael Schmedt LinkedIn

Secretary

Transportation Geospatial
Solutions Director
Senior Professional Associate -
HDR, Inc.

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