Double tracks on most Class 1 railroads - are they set up like highways - all traffic on one track goes same direction and same for other tracks? I think Rochelle shows that - is this the same for all double track? Or am I missing something here?
Jen
Some is signaled for traffic in both directions, controlled electronically by the dispatcher (CTC [Centralized Traffic Control]); and some is signaled for one direction (called Current Of Traffic) only (like a highway), controlled via radio authorization by the dispatcher (for permission to occupy a segment of track); and a few places still use train orders as authorization to occupy tracks.
The CP between Milwaukee and Chicago is double-track CTC; however, trains usually operate northbound on track 1 and southbound on track 2, unless congestion, trackwork, or fast train overtaking a slow train causes the dispatcher to reroute traffic accordingly.
As long as you’re in the rulebook, Jen, I’ll say that, by definition you’re absolutely right. The use of the words “double track” implies directional movement and has its own set of rules about movement against the current of traffic, etc.
When Centralized Traffic Control comes into play, it would not be called “double-track CTC”, but rather “Two-main-track CTC” just to avoid the confusion about which set of rules to follow (confusing everyone else, but those rules weren’t written for civilians!).
The UP line through Rochelle is, in fact, CTC. Watch that webcam long enough (or look through the archives), and you’ll see trains in either direction on either track. The BNSF line is also CTC, but isn’t referred to as two-main-track CTC because large portions of that line are only one track.
Double tracks on most Class 1 railroads - are they set up like highways - all traffic on one track goes same direction and same for other tracks? I think Rochelle shows that - is this the same for all double track? Or am I missing something here?
Jen
Some is signaled for traffic in both directions, controlled electronically by the dispatcher (CTC [Centralized Traffic Control]); and some is signaled for one direction (called Current Of Traffic) only (like a highway), controlled via radio authorization by the dispatcher (for permission to occupy a segment of track); and a few places still use train orders as authorization to occupy tracks.
The CP between Milwaukee and Chicago is double-track CTC; however, trains usually operate northbound on track 1 and southbound on track 2, unless congestion, trackwork, or fast train overtaking a slow train causes the dispatcher to reroute traffic accordingly.
As long as you’re in the rulebook, Jen, I’ll say that, by definition you’re absolutely right. The use of the words “double track” implies directional movement and has its own set of rules about movement against the current of traffic, etc.
When Centralized Traffic Control comes into play, it would not be called “double-track CTC”, but rather “Two-main-track CTC” just to avoid the confusion about which set of rules to follow (confusing everyone else, but those rules weren’t written for civilians!).
The UP line through Rochelle is, in fact, CTC. Watch that webcam long enough (or look through the archives), and you’ll see trains in either direction on either track. The BNSF line is also CTC, but isn’t referred to as two-main-track CTC because large portions of that line are only one track.