Railway Operating Procedures and Rules
Restrictive Track Warrant Rules
Do not issue a track warrant electronically if it restricts authority or movement and the train or MW foreman has previously received authority to leave the station. Verbally issue the restricting track warrant to a crew member or MW foreman. Do not issue the second paragraph of GCOR/MWOR 14.13.
Suspending Block System Signals
A Division General Manager must authorize a block system or section of a block system to be removed from service.
Whistle Warning Procedures
For a “Whistle Warning Request”, the format is: “Whistle freely between MP__ and MP__ from (time) until (time) for (__).” Note: Confer with a supervisor before granting a whistle warning to evaluate if appropriate protection is provided.
Track Warrant Restrictions & Instructions
When a track warrant that contains freeform text is voided, reissue the freeform text on subsequent track warrants if it is desired that it remain in effect.
MW in Yard & Restricted Limits
Do not issue MW employees Track Warrant authority to occupy the main track within yard limits or restricted limits.
Using “After Arrival”, “Behind”, “Clear At”
For movement in non-signaled territory, issue a Track Warrant containing “After Arrival” only after the train receiving the Track Warrant is stopped at the meeting point where the opposing train will be met.
“Behind” must not be used when authorizing a train as a “work between” to follow a train authorized in one direction without also using “joint” for the overlapping limits for all involved trains.
“Clear At” should only be used when there is a switch at the last named point that can be used to clear the main track.
Adjacent Restricted Track Procedures
When advised by an employee that work cannot be completed on the side opposite where a train may approach on an adjacent track, issue a Track Warrant for the limits identified. For the address, use the identification of the train the requesting employee is assigned to.
Reporting Clear of Main Track
If a train reports clear of the main track under circumstances not normally requiring the train to report their Track Warrant clear, and the Train Dispatcher desires the train to remain clear, void the train’s Track Warrant or have the crew report clear of their Track Warrant.
Track Release Time Reporting
Enter track release time into the computer and respond with the following information:
- Name of MW employee or train releasing a portion of the Track Warrant
- Track Warrant # being partially released
- Location being reported past or Track Warrant limits that were released
- Time Track Warrant was partially released
- Question: ‘Is that correct, over?’
Overlap Circuit Procedures
When a report is received or the Train Dispatcher becomes aware a train has passed an overlap circuit without permission:
- Advise the train involved to stop and remain stopped until further instructions are received from the Chief Dispatcher.
- Immediately notify the Chief Dispatcher.
Contingent Authority Rules
Do not issue Track Warrant authority contingent upon a condition. Issue authority only after any train movement authorized is physically passing or has passed the location where the track will be entered.
Delivering TB Restrictions
Deliver TB restrictions to all trains affected by the restrictions.
Improperly Displayed or Missing Track Flags
When informed that track flags are improperly displayed or missing, immediately notify the MW employee in charge or the employee’s supervisor. When train crews ask about yellow or yellow-red flags displayed in the field, only provide information about TB restrictions that are in effect at that location.
Switches in CTC & Form B Restrictions
When Form B TB restriction limits contain dual control switch(es), a job briefing must be held with the employee in charge to determine if switches need to be blocked. If the employee in charge informs the Chief Dispatcher of MW activity that will be affected by the change of position of any dual control switches, those switches must have blocking or marking devices applied during the effective time of the Form B TB restrictions.