Loop line (railway)
Encyclopedia
Loop Line has several meanings.
- A less important line which leaves a main line and then rejoins it later, continuing in the same direction. Significantly longer than a Passing loopPassing loopA passing loop is a place on a single line railway or tramway, often located at a station, where trains or trams in opposing directions can pass each other. Trains/trams in the same direction can also overtake, providing that the signalling arrangement allows it...
, its purpose may be purely to provide a bypassing route, or it may provide a goods or passenger service in its own right, such as the Hertford Loop line. - A configuration, sometimes known as a Balloon loopBalloon loopA balloon loop or turning loop allows a rail vehicle or train to reverse direction without having to shunt or even stop. Balloon loops can be useful for passenger trains and unit freight trains, such as coal trains....
where trains entering it turn though a half circle and return to the start of the loop facing in the opposite direction from which they came, such as the Sutton Loop. - A totally enclosed system whereby trains always remain in the loop, as in the London Underground Circle line.