Running line

nounStandard termRailroad

A track designated for the through movement of trains rather than switching or storage.

Any main track, branch line, or controlled siding governed by signal indication or track warrants where trains operate at speed. It is strictly separated from yard tracks, industrial spurs, and storage tracks. Equipment left on a running line without proper authority violates fundamental operating rules and creates severe collision hazards.

Heard on the job

You can't leave that cut of cars tied down on the running line without clearance from the dispatcher.

Also heard as

  • running track