Purpose of short disconnected track sections?

[BarryS]

There are a few short disconnected track sections parallel and next to the main CSX line in SW Michigan near Red Arrow Highway. They’re usually about 50 feet in length, generally near road crossings, and can be easily seen in the satellite view on maps.google.com. What purpose do they serve?

One is near the intersection of Harbert Rd just east of Prairie Rd in Harbert. Another is where Snow Ln splits off Snow Rd in Bridgman. Two are just south of Sawyer Rd in Sawyer and another is just west of where the double tracks cross Three Oaks Rd. in Sawyer. A slightly longer section is just north of Union Pier Rd near Union Pier. Another is just south of Farmer Rd near the New Buffalo High School.

[SD80MAC]

Those are track panels waiting to be installed on the crossings when they replace them.

[Saturnalia]

Those are track panels waiting to be installed on the crossings when they replace them.

Or, from crossings that were replaced but haven’t been salvaged or cut up yet.