What is required before returning a track to service?

Before returning a track to service, it is essential to notify the Dispatcher and ensure that the track is cleared. This protocol is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in rail operations. Notifying the Dispatcher ensures that all parties are informed about the status of the track, allowing for coordinated operations. Clearance of the track means that all maintenance work has been completed and that it is safe for train operations, ensuring there are no obstacles or hazards present.

The other options, while they may involve safety practices, do not complete the necessary steps for returning a track to service. For example, a final inspection by a Supervisor is important but does not substitute for the required communication with the Dispatcher or clearance of the track. Similarly, obtaining signatures from crew members or getting clearance from the train engineer might be part of general operational protocols but do not directly fulfill the requirement needed for returning a track to safe service. Thus, the combination of notifying the Dispatcher and clearing the track is the foundational procedure mandated by NORAC standards.