Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system to confirm visual signals and control train movement. The system for verifying whether a trackside signaling electrical component is energized comprises a sensor for providing trackside conditions to a remote train control system electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad interlocking adjacent to a trackside signaling electrical component, said sensor powered by voltage applied to said circuit such that said sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged.