A segment of railroad where train movements are not governed by a centralized traffic control system or automatic block signals. In dark territory, dispatchers manage traffic using track warrants, direct traffic control, or verbal authorities, and crews must physically align hand-throw switches.
We're heading into dark territory at milepost 42, so make sure you have the track warrant copied down right.
Operating in dark territory requires strict radio discipline and absolute adherence to written warrants, as there are no electronic safety nets to prevent collisions.
Related terms
Track warrant
A written authority from the dispatcher, copied by radio, that lets a train occupy a set stretch of main track.
CTC
Centralized traffic control: signals and switches controlled remotely by a dispatcher who routes every train.
TWC
Track warrant control: running trains outside CTC on dispatcher-issued warrants with fixed limits.