855.579.0536
Contact us

Rail

Railroad Geohazards Emergency Response

Rail systems are vital to the movement of goods and people, but they are especially vulnerable to geohazards—particularly in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Severe storms, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other extreme events can lead to sudden and widespread infrastructure damage. When these hazards strike, the result is often more than just operational disruption—it’s a safety risk, an environmental concern, and a costly challenge for railroad owners and operators.

At GeoStabilization International, we specialize in providing rapid, design-build geohazard mitigation solutions tailored specifically to the railroad industry. Whether it’s a washed-out rail embankment, a rockfall-prone slope, or a damaged bridge foundation, our team responds with speed, expertise, and the tools needed to restore safe service in record time.

Contact Us

Natural Disasters & Their Impact on Rail Infrastructure

Natural disasters can destabilize terrain, expose hidden weaknesses in the rail corridor, and create new hazards overnight. Some of the most common geohazard impacts include:

  • Rockfalls caused by freeze-thaw cycles, wildfire loss of vegetation, or heavy rainfall destabilizing cliff faces.
  • Landslides and slope failures that undermine railbeds, embankments, and access roads.
  • Bridge scour, where floodwaters erode the soils supporting bridge piers and abutments, leading to dangerous settlement or collapse.
  • Sinkholes and voids formed when underground water movement or collapsing soils erode the subgrade beneath tracks.
  • Wildfire damage, which strips slopes of vegetation and root systems, leading to increased erosion and debris flow risks.
  • Flooding and storm surge, which can wash out ballast, erode subgrade soils, and collapse retaining walls or culverts.

The unpredictability of these events makes it essential to have an experienced geohazard mitigation partner who can respond immediately.

Emergency Railroad Geohazard Response: Our Proven Process

GeoStabilization International has developed an emergency response process tailored for railroad environments. Our teams are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to mobilize to the most remote and challenging terrain.

  1. Rapid Deployment – As soon as we’re contacted, we dispatch our regional crews and specialized equipment to the site.
  2. On-Site Hazard Assessment – Our geotechnical engineers and field personnel work quickly to assess the site and identify both immediate and long-term threats.
  3. Design-Build Mitigation Plan – We engineer real-time, site-specific solutions and begin construction simultaneously to minimize downtime.
  4. Ongoing Communication – We coordinate with rail operators, environmental agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and compliance.
  5. Long-Term Monitoring and Maintenance – After the emergency phase, we offer long-term mitigation services to prevent reoccurrence.
Get In Touch

Contact Us Today

855.579.0536

Contact Us

Tailored Geohazard Mitigation Solutions for Railroads

Our emergency services aren’t just fast—they’re purpose-built for the complex challenges of rail corridors. Our mitigation solutions include:

Compaction grouting and low-mobility fill to reestablish subgrade support under tracks and structures.

Our specialty equipment, including spider excavators and long-reach drills, allows access to narrow rail corridors, remote mountain passes, or active rail lines with minimal disruption.

RailJET®

RailJET® is a modified jet grouting process specifically for railroad subgrade stabilization that utilizes a high-flow, horizontal jet of fluid to mix existing soil with a cementitious slurry. It is a hydrodynamic mix-in-place technique producing a soil-cement column or rigid inclusion to reinforce the subgrade in both bearing and shear. The diameter of inclusions is dependent on actual in-situ soil conditions; however, it will be a minimum of 9-inches based on injection pressures and drill bit configurations. The process will also inherently fill ballast pockets where they exist.

Why Choose GeoStabilization for Post-Disaster Railroad Response?

Railroad owners and operators choose GeoStabilization International® because of our proven ability to deliver reliable, engineered geohazard mitigation under emergency conditions. Our experienced crews and design engineers operate as one seamless unit, ensuring rapid, quality execution. We work around-the-clock to restore service and safeguard your infrastructure from future geohazards.

Key advantages include:

  • Nationwide Response Teams with regional staging for fast deployment.
  • Specialized Equipment Fleet built for steep slopes, remote locations, and narrow rail access points.
  • Decades of Railroad Experience with Class I railroads, short lines, and commuter rail systems.
  • Environmental Sensitivity and compliance with state and federal requirements during disaster recovery.
Worker next to railroad.

Client Reviews

Reliable Project Support in South Dakota

Cameron, I’m glad you followed up because I don’t do a good job of telling people they did a good job sometimes and I know you’re like me if you hear nothing bad then it must have been OK. From my standpoint, you guys really helped us out by being able to get a crew here quickly which is just what we needed. As for the crew they were fantastic, pretty hands off on my end, didn’t require much of my time and did everything they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it. Which believe me is very refreshing. So, thank you guys for all your help and I do look forward to an opportunity to work with you again.

Geohazard Stabilization for Railway Infrastructure

GSI was very professional and easy to work with throughout the whole process. They communicated well and were accommodating to our production needs, while allowing us to work with them to help them accomplish what they needed to get done as well. Dan, Amanda, Zech, Craig, and Justin were all great. It was actually pretty refreshing to be able to work with a group that was so easy deal with, especially for a contractor coming in from out of town. They all seemed to have Midwestern values and work ethic. If you have any questions whatsoever, I would be more than happy to discuss. Based on our experience, I would confidently and quickly recommend GSI to anyone needing similar geo stabilization.

Slope Stabilization and Landslide Repair in Pennsylvania

[We have] worked with GeoStabilization International (GSI) for over 10 years. GSI is our “go to contractor” for difficult slope stabilization projects. We have worked with GSI to stabilize steep slopes and remediate landslides on numerous projects along highways, pipelines and railroad right-of-ways. We have found them to be an excellent partner and one of very few contractors capable of working in areas with remote/difficult access. Their experienced equipment operators are able to work efficiently under difficult and often hazardous conditions, and yet maintain the project schedule… [We have] recommended GSI to clients and subcontracted them sole source on … design-build projects. I have no reservations recommending GSI for geohazard mitigation type work on pipeline right-of-way or other projects requiring slope stabilization.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

When your railroad is compromised by a natural disaster, every hour counts. GeoStabilization International is your trusted partner for emergency railroad geohazard mitigation, delivering speed, safety, and lasting stability.

Get in touch today!

855.579.0536

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info
    ***Fees May Apply For Residential Site Visits***

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info

    Our Awards, Certifications, & Memberships

    ENR Regional Best Project 2023
    ADSC Safety Award
    GeoHazard Professionals Safety Recognition
    Gold Shovel Standard Certified
    GSI is a Directing Member of the Association of Geohazard Professionals
    GSI is a TOP 10 Military Friendly Employer