When a hand-operated switch is used to clear the main track, what must be advised to the train dispatcher?

• A. The position of the switch and that the switch is locked when reporting clear of track warrant limits
• B. The status of the switch's lock
• C. The last maintenance date of the switch
• D. The direction the train will travel.

Answer: (A)

When guarding the main track with track warrant control, the dispatcher must know exactly how the switch is set and that it’s secured. If a hand-operated switch is used to clear the main track, you report both the switch’s position and that the switch is locked. The position tells the dispatcher which route is protected, and the lock status confirms the switch won’t be moved during the train’s movement, keeping the track clear and safely under the warrant’s protection. The other details aren’t needed for this clearance: the last maintenance date doesn’t affect the immediate clearance, and the direction the train will travel is already covered by the warrant and the reported switch status.