Weichenabschnitt

Weichenabschnitt is a term used in railway technology to denote the track section that is associated with a turnout (Weiche). It is the discrete section of track that, together with the turnout itself and the adjacent track, forms a defined unit in signaling and interlocking systems. The exact boundaries of a Weichenabschnitt may vary by national standard and installation, but it generally extends from a point before the turnout to a point after it where the next signaling or interlocking boundary begins.

The primary purpose of a Weichenabschnitt is to provide a clearly defined, track-occupancy unit for safe train movements. In signaling terms, a Fahrweg (routing) that uses a turnout will occupy the corresponding Weichenabschnitt. This ensures that conflicting movements cannot be authorized to occupy the same section simultaneously. Occupancy is detected by track circuits or axle counters, and the section is released when the train clears the defined boundary.

In operation, the position of the turnout and the occupancy status of the Weichenabschnitt are coordinated by the interlocking or central signaling system. The system must guarantee that a route through a turnout is only set if the Weichenabschnitt is free, and it must hold the route until the train has safely passed beyond the section.

The length and designation of Weichenabschnitte vary with installation type, including mainline, siding, and yard tracks, as well as by speed requirements and signaling concepts. They are a fundamental element in ensuring safe, reliable, and orderly train movements in complex track layouts.