Passing Loop - Overlaps and Catchpoints

Overlaps and Catchpoints

Some railways fit catchpoints at the ends of crossing loops so that if a train overruns the loop, it is derailed rather than collide with an opposing train.

Since space (length) is short, crossing loops do not normally have an overlap (safety margin) between the starting signals and the end of the double line. With the passing lanes and with the new ARTC policy generally, overlaps of about 500m and 200m respectively, overlaps are provided.