Safe and reliable rail operations start with understanding the condition of your track infrastructure. Prairie Gateway Rail provides TIGS Certified Track & Switch Inspections for industrial facilities, private sidings, agricultural operations, transload facilities, municipalities, and short-line railways.

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What Are TIGS?

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TIGS stands for Track Inspection Guidelines. In simple terms, they provide a structured approach to checking railway track: what to inspect, how to recognize a problem, and what action may be needed.

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Much like a vehicle safety inspection, a track inspection looks beyond appearances. It examines the components that support and guide trains, helping identify wear, damage, and other conditions that could affect safe and reliable operations.

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A TIGS inspection evaluates your track against applicable requirements and railway standards, giving you a documented understanding of its condition and helping you make informed maintenance decisions.

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Inspection Scope

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Our inspections assess the key components of your railway infrastructure, including:

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• Track gauge: The distance between the rails.

• Alignment, surface, and cross-level: The track’s straightness or curvature, dips and uneven spots, and the relative height of the two rails.

• Rail, ties, and fasteners: The condition of the rails, the supports beneath them, and the hardware that holds them in place.

• Ballast and drainage: The stone supporting the track and the ability of water to drain away.

• Turnouts, switches, and crossings: The condition of areas where trains change tracks or where tracks intersect roads or other tracks

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These checks help identify both visible damage and less obvious conditions that may need closer attention.

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What You Receive

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Following the inspection, PGR provides a documented report outlining the condition of your rail infrastructure. Depending on the inspection scope, your report may include:

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• Identified deficiencies and their locations.

• Photographs, field measurements, and observations.

• Recommended corrective actions.

• Maintenance priorities to help you plan repairs.

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We help you understand what the findings mean for your operation, including conditions that may require prompt attention or operating restrictions under applicable rules.

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The result is a practical roadmap that helps you understand your infrastructure, address areas of concern, and plan maintenance before small issues become larger operational problems.