Supply Side: Atlas, RailVision
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Atlas Technical Consultants on Jan. 6 reported that it will provide engineering and design and environmental services for grade crossings owned by “one of the largest Class I rail operators” in Georgia through GDOT’s Railroad Safety Program.
The Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Railroad Safety Program selects Atlas Technical Consultants to provide highway/rail grade crossing engineering and design and environmental services. Also, Rail Vision Ltd. demonstrates the North American field applicability of its AI-based obstacle detection technology for switch yards.
Atlas Technical Consultants
Austin, Tex.-based Atlas Technical Consultants on Jan. 6 reported that it will provide engineering and design and environmental services for grade crossings owned by “one of the largest Class I rail operators” in Georgia through GDOT’s Railroad Safety Program. The program’s aim, it said, is to “identify, reduce and eliminate hazards at at-grade railroad crossings throughout the state through the installation of warning device equipment, crossing consolidation, and roadway and striping improvements to crossing approaches and grade separations.”
Atlas is slated to conduct field inventory of railroad crossings; provide concept, preliminary and final design plans for prioritized projects; and prepare National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies under the contract, which has a maximum value of $15 million with an initial term of three years, and an option for a two-year extension.
“Atlas has partnered with GDOT for more than 16 years, providing our full portfolio of services to various transit-related markets throughout the state,” Atlas CEO L. Joe Boyer said. “We are excited to continue our work under GDOT’s railroad safety program and with major rail operators in our shared efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of Georgia’s transportation infrastructure.”
Rail Vision Ltd.
Ra’anana, Israel-based Rail Vision Ltd. on Jan. 9 reported the “successful demonstration” of the field applicability of its Switch Yard System for a Class I railroad.
Rail Vision said its technology was used on an SD40 locomotive equipped with autonomous driving technology and an advanced electronic air brake system. “In wet and foggy weather, Rail Vision’s obstacle detection system enabled the locomotive to efficiently navigate numerous challenging obstacles during both conventional and autonomous operations, identifying and providing the distance to people, cars, and rail equipment, as well as determining the alignment of switch points,” the technology company reported. “The demonstration achieved GoA4 status. GoA4, which requires no on-train staff, is the highest level of automated train operations.”
According to Rail Vision, its Switch Yard System uses “electro-optic sensors (including thermal and day camera) combined with AI and machine learning Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions to overcome limited vision issues, expanding the range of sight, and decreasing downtime, while increasing punctuality, efficiency, and safety.”
Rail Vision CEO Shahar Hania said the company anticipates “completing a more in-depth follow-on demonstration before launching an official proof-of-concept pilot program for this Class I railroad.”
