vegeta_skyline
Senior Member
Might require resignalling those 2 tracks for a much smaller block size (far more expensive than you might think).
The signal blocks are already absurdly close, more than double the average on the next highest line the Lakeshore West. They are most certainly NOT getting any closer on the Weston sub. With the spacing as is, 5 minute headway would likely be possible for the UP.
Furtherance to my point, there are major sightline and obstruction issues. Unlike subways lines rail side signals on the mainlines are generally located above the track so that trains can see them from a far enough distance. In some of the long straight stretches of track I can see 4 of these signals in a row in addition to having 4 of them placed next to each other with the four tracks compared to a single track subway tunnel. If they were to place them any closer it would become much more difficult to discern them from one another especially when you consider we have over a hundred different possible signal indications to abide by; https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/rules-tco167-175.htm. And passing trains moving in the opposite direction when they have their headlight on, required in certain situations, makes seeing these indications all the more difficult. In addition, sightlines are already rather poor with numerous signals located behind obstructions such as bridges.
Most importantly you need to remember trains on that mainline are traveling at 80mph as opposed to the 55mph maximum on the subway lines. Which means they requires more than double the stopping distance and that's providing they have the same breaking capacity. This necessitates longer blocks, so you'll never see subway like spacing unless you reduce the maximum speed of the trains which would be counter productive.