Who issues a track warrant and coordinates occupancy on the railroad?

• A. The locomotive engineer.
• B. The designated railroad dispatcher or TWC authority.
• C. The signal maintainer.
• D. The field supervisor.

Answer: (B)

Track warrants are movement authorities issued by the railroad’s dispatcher or the TWC (Track Warrant Control) authority. This person has the real-time picture of all trains and work on the route and can grant permission to occupy a defined track segment, specify limits, and state any restrictions. They coordinate occupancy by communicating with the train crews and with other involved personnel, ensuring only one train (or the permitted movements) holds the occupancy in a given block at a time and that everyone knows where trains may operate. The locomotive engineer follows the warrant but does not issue it. The signal maintainer and field supervisor handle maintenance and supervision of the physical assets and work zones, not movement authorities.