If you’ve looked up over the last several days and spotted a helicopter flying unusually low near railroad tracks in Providence, you’re definitely not the only one. The flights have caught the attention of people across Rhode Island, leaving many wondering what was going on.
The helicopters are being used to inspect the overhead electrical lines that power Amtrak trains. By flying along the rail corridor, crews can spot potential problems with the power system before they lead to service disruptions or more serious repairs.
While the flights may seem unusual, they’re part of routine infrastructure inspections designed to help keep train service running safely and on schedule.
Seeing helicopters flying so close to the tracks certainly makes the job look a little dangerous. It also makes you wonder if modern drone technology could handle the same work more safely and efficiently.
Have you seen one of these helicopters flying over lately?
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