When a track warrant designates a station with a siding, where does the authority extend to?

The authority granted by a track warrant that designates a station with a siding extends to the last siding switch. This means that when a track warrant specifies a certain station where a siding exists, the limits of that authority encompass the area from the main track to the point of the last siding switch. This is critical for ensuring work crews and maintenance personnel understand the limits of the authority they have to operate within that area.

In practical terms, this means that any work or movements in conjunction with the track warrant must respect that boundary. Operations can occur within the outlined limits but must not encroach beyond the last switch, which is essential for safety and operational control. Understanding this helps maintain proper procedures and communication protocols in a railway environment, as trains may be moving on the main track or entering a siding at various points along the route.

Authority extending beyond the last switch or just to the beginning of the siding would potentially lead to safety issues, as it could inadvertently allow unauthorized movement in areas where train movements are not cleared. Thus, recognizing the precise location of authority helps prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations.