What is "Dark Territory?"

Question:  What is “dark territory”?

Answer:  “Dark territory,” though not an official term, typically refers to any dispatcher-controlled track (outside of yard limits) that is not governed by track (block and interlocking) signals.  Train authorization and movement in dark territory is controlled by track warrants, which are issued to the train crew by the dispatcher.  Such warrants permit a train to occupy and operate in one or more designated blocks.  Usually, dark territory comprises lower-traffic secondary lines, where it just doesn't make sense to install expensive signaling systems. 

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