What is a controlled block in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory?

A controlled block in Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) territory refers specifically to the space between consecutive controlled signals. This definition accurately reflects how train movement is managed within the CTC framework, where signals dictate the operation of trains to ensure safety and efficient scheduling.

In CTC systems, each block is divided and controlled based on signals that operate either automatically or manually. The spaces between these controlled signals are critical for maintaining safe distances between trains, preventing collisions and allowing for effective traffic management. The concept of a controlled block highlights the organization of train movements in a systematic way, wherein each block is governed by the signals that dictate whether the block is occupied or clear for use.

This precision in defining a controlled block plays a vital role in traffic control, directly relating to how conductors manage train operations in a safe and reliable manner throughout the territory.