How does route locking complement interlocking?

How does route locking complement interlocking?

• A. Route locking maintains a secured route once set, preventing changes until release
• B. Route locking prevents any route changes at all
• C. Route locking is unrelated to interlocking operations
• D. Route locking automatically sets all routes to the highest priority

Answer: (A)

Route locking secures a route once it is set, ensuring it cannot be changed until it’s released. In an interlocking system, when signals and turnout positions are aligned to allow a movement, a lock is placed on that route so no other route can be selected or altered while the train is using it. This keeps the established path stable, protects against conflicting movements, and guarantees the signaling and turnout configuration remain in the required state until the train has cleared or the control logic releases the route. Once the movement is complete and safety conditions are met, the lock is removed and new route configurations can be made.

Route locking secures a route once it is set, ensuring it cannot be changed until it’s released. In an interlocking system, when signals and turnout positions are aligned to allow a movement, a lock is placed on that route so no other route can be selected or altered while the train is using it. This keeps the established path stable, protects against conflicting movements, and guarantees the signaling and turnout configuration remain in the required state until the train has cleared or the control logic releases the route. Once the movement is complete and safety conditions are met, the lock is removed and new route configurations can be made.