E yard signals: How is each track protected?

• A. By a westbound low home controlled by JCC
• B. By a signal light at the end
• C. By a cross-locked switch
• D. By a flagman at the track end

Answer: (A)

Track protection in this yard is provided by fixed signals at the entrance to each track, coordinated by the central dispatcher. In E yard, the standard setup uses a westbound low home signal for each track, controlled by JCC. This means a train or engine can only enter or move on that track when JCC has cleared the signal, ensuring the route ahead is safe and free of conflicts. The home signal acts as the official safeguard at the entry to the track, interlocked with the yard’s switch and other signals so movements don’t collide.

Using a signal light at the end wouldn’t protect entry to the track; a cross-locked switch protects the switch mechanism itself but doesn’t provide the tracking entry protection across all movements; and a flagman at the track end is a manual method not used here. The westbound low home controlled by JCC neatly fits the established protection approach for each track in this yard.