Interlocking and Control Point rules apply to any movement within interlocking limits or at a controlled point.  These rules cover the use of signals and appliances, movement within and through interlockings and controlled points, dangerous conditions, and the closing of interlocking stations.

600.  Clearing of Interlocking and Controlled Point Signals

  Interlocking and controlled point signals govern the use of the routes of an interlocking or controlled point.  These signals must be cleared sufficiently in advance of approaching trains to avoid delay.

601.  Interlocking and Controlled Point Signals, Interlocking Appliances: Operation, Repair, Malfunction

  Interlocking signals, controlled point signals, and interlocking appliances must be operated only by those charged with operating them.  When these devices are undergoing repair, or when any irregularly affecting their operation is detected, two action must be taken:

1. Stop Signals must be displayed and blocking devise applied to all affected signals and interlocking appliances, and
2. Defects must be reported promptly to the Dispatcher and the Signal Maintainer.

Signals must remain in Stop position and block devices applied until the Signal Maintainer has reported that:

1. Repairs have been completed, and
2. Interlocking appliances are properly lined for movement, when repairs were performed on interlocking appliances.

602.  Interlocking or Controlled Point Signals: Rerouting Trains

  When an interlocking or controlled point signal has been cleared for an approaching train, the signal must not be changed to Stop position until:

1. The train has been stopped, or
2. The Engineer has been informed of the situation and has advised the Dispatcher or Operator that he can stop before reaching the signal.

EXCEPTION:  In an emergency, the signal may be immediately changed to Stop position.

  Before changing the route, the Dispatcher or Operator must determine that the train has stopped, and must attempt to contact the Engineer to inform him that the route is being changed.

603.  Interlocking Appliances: Control Mechanisms

  Control mechanisms that operate an interlocked appliance must not be operated when any portion of a train is standing on or closely approaching the appliances.

604.  Interlocking Appliances:  Locking

  If impossible to lock an interlocking appliance, two actions must be taken:

1. All controlled mechanisms must be placed in the required position and blocking devices applied, and
2. All affected appliances must be properly lined, and spiked or wedged.

EXCEPTION:  If the interlocking appliance is dual controlled, it must be properly lined and locked manually.

  The Dispatcher or Operator must not give a train permission to pass a Stop Signal until the two above requirements are met.

605.  Movements That Might Not Shunt

  Train movements that might not shunt track circuits must be made on signal indication.  Track car movements may be made on signal indication except for routes that lead to ABS or DCS territory.  Before permitting train and track car movements of these kinds, the Dispatcher or Operator must ensure that all interlocking or controlled point appliances are properly lined and secured with blocking devices.  Only those blocking devices applied to protect track car movements entering ABS or DCS territory will be recorded and reported to the Dispatcher.

  After the equipment has entered interlocking limits, the home signal, if displayed, must be set to display Stop Signal and secured with a blocking device.  Thereafter, the Dispatcher or Operator must not remove the blocking devices protecting any portion of the affected route until the employee in charge of the equipment has reported clear of the opposing signal governing that portion of the route.

  The employee in charge of the equipment must notify the Dispatcher or Operator when the movement is clear of interlocking limits.

606.  Rust on Rails or Wheels

  If rails are rusted or cars have been left standing and wheels are rusted, crew members must confer with the Dispatcher or Operator.  Interlocking appliances must not be operated until movement has been completed.  Interlocking control mechanisms must be blocked with blocking devices.  These blocking devices need not be recorded nor reported to the Dispatcher.

  If rails are rusted, Signal Maintainers must notify Dispatchers and Operators on the prescribed form.

607.  Railroad Crossings at Grade

  Engines or cars must not be left within the limits of interlocked railroad crossings at grade.

608.  Delay in an Interlocking

  If a train has passed an interlocking signal and is delayed, it must proceed at Restricted Speed.  If the track is seen to be clear to the next signal, and the next signal indicates proceed, then the train may be operated in accordance with the last signal indication received.  In cab signal territory, the train may proceed in accordance with cab signal indication.

609.  Interlocking or Controlled Point Signal Changes to Stop

  If a signal aspect permitting a train to proceed changes to Stop Signal before it is reached, the stop must be made as soon as safe handling will permit.  Such signal changes must be reported to the Dispatcher.

610.  Stopped in an Interlocking by Dispatcher or Operator

  If the Dispatcher or Operator stops a train while it is moving through an interlocking, the train must not move in either direction until it has received the proper signal or permission from the Dispatcher or Operator.

611.  Stop Less than One Engine Length beyond Interlocking Signal

  If a train stops less than 1 engine length beyond an interlocking signal, it must not proceed without permission of the Dispatcher or Operator.

612.  Reversing Direction within an Interlocking

  To reverse direction within the limits of an interlocking, trains must have either:

1. Proper interlocking signal, or
2. Permission of the Dispatcher or Operator.  When permission is given, the route must not be changed until it is known that the movement has been completed.

613.  Movement Not Governed by Fixed Signal Indication

  Movements not governed by fixed signal indication within interlocking limits must receive permission from the Dispatcher or Operator.  Movement may then proceed at Restricted Speed to the next signal.  In cab signal territory, trains may proceed in accordance with cab signal indication after clearing interlocking limits.

614.  Derailment or Damage

  If there is a derailment or if any damage occurs to the track or interlocking, two immediate actions must be taken:

1. Stop Signals must be displayed and blocking devices applied to the controls of all interlocking signals and appliances that may be affected, and
2. The Dispatcher must be notified.

No movement may be permitted until all parts of the interlocking and track that may be damaged have been inspected and are confirmed safe for the movement.

615.  Dangerous Conditions or Obstructions

  If a train passes an interlocking station with any indication of conditions dangerous to itself or to a train on another track, or if the Dispatcher or Operator is informed of any obstruction in a block, two actions must be taken:

1. An attempt must be made immediately to stop any train involved, and
2. The Operator or Dispatcher controlling the next interlocking, controlled point or TBS must be notified.

  Each Operator or Dispatcher must display Stop Signals to all trains that may be endangered.  A train may be permitted to proceed at Restricted Speed after the crew has been informed of the situation.

616.  Interlocking Station Closed

  When an interlocking station is closed, routes and signals must be set to comply with instructions of the Dispatcher.  The station building must be secured.