When does a train dispatcher consider a switch restored to its normal position?

A train dispatcher considers a switch restored to its normal position when they receive notification from an employee at that location. This ensures a clear and direct line of communication about the status of the switch, providing a reliable confirmation that the switch has been returned to its designated position after use. The dispatcher relies on this notification as a crucial part of maintaining safe and effective train operations, minimizing the risk of miscommunication or errors that could arise from assumptions or indirect methods of confirmation.

Visual confirmation from a passing train or cleared signals does not provide the same level of reliability, as these methods do not guarantee that the switch is indeed in the correct position. Scheduled inspections are also not relevant to immediate operational decisions regarding the status of switches, as they are periodic checks rather than real-time confirmations of switch status. Therefore, the communication from an on-site employee is the most effective way to ensure safety and operational integrity.