What is this track?

[PrairieKnight]

My son and I noticed this track located south of S. Williams Street in Decatur, Michigan. This photo is looking southwest of S. Williams Street. In this photo the mainline is on the left. The track in question is the siding on the right. At first we thought it was the start of a new switch being installed. But it does not look like a switch. What is this track and what is it's purpose?

[Jetlink]

It is most likely a split rail de-railer. It's purpose to put rolling stock on the ground rather than on the mainline in the event the stock is running away or otherwise moving with out proper track authority. It is more effective than other styles of de-rail devices that just sit on top of the rail head in the shape of a wedge.

[PrairieKnight]

Interesting. I would have never guessed that. Your explanation does make sense. The mainline is primarily used by Amtrak .... while the siding is for a grain facility that is serviced by NS. Thank you Jetlink.

[SD80MAC]

That’s exactly what it is, a split rail derail.

[Saturnalia]

That’s exactly what it is, a split rail derail.

I’ll be a bit of a track snob and point out that this is usually referred to as a “switch point derail” since it has both points like a regular switch. That contrasts with a “split rail derail” which only has the switch point on one side.

The full switch point derails are more effective at getting equipment headed away from whatever you’re protecting, but they’re ultimately both very effective at putting equipment on the ground. They can be both hand thrown and mechanized into the signal system.