(Source: Trains, February 9, 2021)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — BNSF Railway has received a patent for a virtual track block system that has the potential to significantly boost existing mainline capacity, raise average train speeds, and improve the detection of broken rails. The system would divide existing fixed-length physical track blocks into multiple virtual blocks. Train spacing would be reduced and would be based on train braking capabilities rather than the typical 2-mile length of a fixed signal block.
Full story: www.trains.com