In Johnson Avenue Yard, which end is protected by bumping blocks for tracks 1-4?

• A. The west end
• B. The east end
• C. Both ends
• D. The middle

Answer: (A)

Bumping blocks are protective devices at the end of a rail track that absorb impact and prevent equipment from overrunning the track end. In Johnson Avenue Yard, tracks 1-4 have bumping blocks on the west end, so that end is the protected boundary for those tracks. The blocks are placed there to stop a locomotive or railcar from rolling past the end and causing damage to the yard throat or nearby structures. Because the west end is the safeguarded terminus for tracks 1-4, it’s the end you rely on for safe yard operations. The east end isn’t equipped with those blocks in this setup, which reflects the yard layout and how the space is used.