Railway Operating Rules: Signals, Switches, and Movement Authority

Conditions for Movement Authority

• Have received a proceed signal at the next control point.
• Have occupied the next control point.
• Have reached the end of CTC or Manual interlocking limits.

Relaying Authority to Pass a Stop Signal

When direct radio communication is possible, do not allow another employee to relay the authority to pass a signal displaying a Stop indication. When another employee must relay this information, the employee must be qualified on the GCOR.

Switch Correspondence

A flashing switch indicates the switch is out of correspondence. If any of the following conditions are observed, the switch at that location cannot be considered lined and locked unless otherwise advised by signal personnel or another qualified employee at the location:

• The switch does not respond properly to requests.
• "Code Brown" is displayed.
• The display shows FAILURE, LOCAL CONTROL, or MAINTENANCE.
• The code system is not functioning properly.

Hand Operation of Dual Control Switches (Blocking)

A train or engine's authorized limits will extend to adjacent control points in all directions on all connected tracks when granted permission to operate a dual control switch by hand at a control point or manual interlocking, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Before granting permission to operate a dual control switch by hand, do the following:

• Apply blocking to all dual control switches that are accessible by the train or engine within the limits described above.
• Apply a track block to the affected tracks. (If a track block is not available, set the signals governing entrance to the limits to display a Stop indication and apply available blocking devices.)

Permission for Reverse Movements (Blocking)

Permission for a reverse movement within CTC or manual interlocking limits may be granted to a train only if one of the following conditions is satisfied:

• The next controlled signal to the rear for a following movement is set to display a Stop indication, the track is clear of trains to the controlled signal, and a block or restrictive tag is placed in the track segment where the movement will occur.
• A following train which has passed the last controlled signal to the rear has been stopped and instructed to remain stopped until the reverse movement is completed, and a block or restrictive tag is placed in the track segment where movement will occur.

Requesting Track & Time (T&T)

Require the individual requesting Track & Time (T&T) to state the following:

• Name
• Occupation
• Location
• Train or other ID

Protecting Movement: Confirm Blocking for T&T

Before transmitting Track & Time (T&T), confirm that blocking or markers have been applied on the control machine to prevent movement into the authorized limits while T&T is in effect.