Welcome to the 32nd annual Wheel Rail Interaction Conference. The WRI 2027 Heavy Haul Conference is specifically tailored for the heavy haul (freight) sector, focusing on the challenges and advancements unique to the wheel/rail interface on heavy haul freight and shared-track passenger systems. The WRI 2027 Heavy Haul Conference will be held in Nevada from June 8-10, 2027, and will focus on practical applications. Attendees will be from class 1 railroads, shortlines, suppliers, contractors, government regulators, researchers and consultants.
The Wheel Rail Interaction Conference is a dynamic event that continually seeks to inspire learning and innovation. By attending, you will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward fulfilling your annual Professional Engineering (PE or P.Eng) requirements.
Hear from industry leading experts on the latest information on new and existing technology and how it's used to improve wheel/rail & vehicle/track interaction on freight systems.
WRI offers a unique platform for fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting impressions. The opportunities for knowledge exchange, identifying new prospects, and enhancing visibility make WRI a great place for professional growth and industry influence.
The ExpoZone is a strategically designed space within the WRI conference venue that serves as a prime location for sponsors to showcase their brands to a highly engaged and diverse audience.
Our InfoZone partners offer high-quality technical information on wheel/rail interaction. These sessions are built into the program and designed for small group interaction.
Thousands of people have attended our events and we're honored to have received such high praise from the wheel-rail community.
Congratulations to Christopher Barkan on receiving the Worth Award at the WRI 2026 Heavy Haul Conference. Chris serves as a professor and leading figure at the University of Illinois within RailTEC at Illinois, where he has left a lasting impact by fostering a culture of technical excellence and statistical rigor.
He is specifically recognized for bridging the gap between academia and the private sector through applied research that addresses real-world railroad challenges with vision and practical timing. As a dedicated mentor, he oversees graduate research with an emphasis on professional standards, ensuring a new generation of engineers is prepared to advance the industry through a comprehensive systems-based approach.
Thank you to J. Riley Edwards, Ph.D, P.E. for accepting the award on Chris's behalf.
