Track Work and Track Units at Railway Crossings at Grade, Drawbridges, Interlockings and Non-Interlockings

805. Manual and Other Interlockings not specified in these rules – Protection of Track Units and Track Work

See special instructions.

806. Automatic Interlockings - Railway Crossings at Grade

  • (a) Track Work:
    Rule 840.3 applicable.

  • (b) Track Units:
    If no conflicting movement is evident, the track unit may proceed but must stop clear of the conflicting route, where the foreman must then unlock the box marked “switches”, and open the switch at the interlocking. The switch must not be closed until the track unit has cleared the conflicting route(s).

    EXCEPTION: A track unit that affects the signal system must stop before passing the interlocking signal.

    Before permitting the track unit to proceed the foreman must wait five minutes or such greater time as may be posted in the box or indicated in special instructions. The required waiting period need not be observed when occupancy indication lights on the conflicting route(s) are illuminated.

    MULTI-TRACK - When the lights of the same railway on the adjacent track are not lighted and no movement is seen approaching, the foreman will contact the RTC before opening the switch, to ascertain whether or not a movement is closely approaching on that adjacent track to prevent displaying STOP indications to such movement.

807. Locally-Controlled Interlocking - Railway Crossing at Grade

  • (a) Track Work:
    Separate TOP for the interlocking or other written instructions issued by the signalman.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the interlocking signal must not be made until verbal authority, hand signal or separate TOP for the interlocking has been received from the signalman.

    If the control office is closed or all attempts to communicate with the signalman fail, the foreman must;

    • (i) if no conflicting movement is evident, unlock the box marked “switches” located at the interlocking and, after opening the switch must wait five minutes or such greater time as may be specified in the box before permitting the track unit to proceed;
    • (ii) not close the switch until the track unit clears the interlocking limits; and
    • (iii) where switches are not provided, follow the instructions posted in the box or contained in special instructions.

808. Locally-Controlled Interlocking - Drawbridges

  • (a) Track Work:
    Separate TOP for the interlocking or other written instructions issued by the signalman.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the interlocking signal must not be made until verbal authority, hand signal or separate TOP for the interlocking has been received from the signalman.

    If there is no signalman on duty, the track unit may proceed after the foreman has ascertained that the route is properly lined.

809. Remotely-Controlled Interlockings - Railway Crossing at Grade

  • (a) Track Work:
    Separate TOP for interlocking unless in possession of other protection encompassing all routes which provide access to the working limits.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the interlocking signal must not be made until a separate TOP for the interlocking has been received from the signalman.

    Unless otherwise specified in special instructions, the signalman may provide verbal authority for the foreman to occupy the interlocking limits.

810. Remotely-Controlled Interlocking - Drawbridges

  • (a) Track Work:
    Separate TOP for interlocking.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the interlocking signal must not be made until a separate TOP for the interlocking has been received from the signalman.

811. Signalman Requirements - Controlled Interlockings

Before giving verbal authority or a hand signal to proceed, a signalman must;

  • (a) ensure there are no conflicting movements within or authorized to enter the authorized route;
  • (b) block at STOP all devices controlling signals governing movements into the authorized route; and
  • (c) maintain the blocking until the foreman has reported clear of the authorized route.

812. Non-Interlocked Railway Crossings at Grade

  • (a) Track Work:
    Rule 841 applicable.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the governing stop sign must not be made until it is ascertained that no conflicting movement is evident.

    Special instructions will govern, when there is an attendant in charge.

813. Non-Interlocked Drawbridges

  • (a) Track Work:
    Rule 841 applicable.

  • (b) Track Units:
    Operation beyond the governing stop sign must not be made until it has been ascertained that the route is properly lined.

    Special instructions will govern, when there is an attendant in charge.