What must a dispatcher do upon receiving an initial report regarding a bridge strike?

When a dispatcher receives an initial report regarding a bridge strike, the appropriate action involves adding the event to the pre-printed "Bridge Strike" line on the Train Service Record Board (TSRB). This action is crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that all relevant personnel are informed about the incident for safety and operational purposes.

By documenting the bridge strike in this way, the dispatcher ensures that the information is communicated effectively within the operational framework, allowing for coordinated responses by maintenance teams, train crews, and local authorities. This entry acts as a formal acknowledgment of the issue, which is vital for tracking the event and any subsequent actions that may be necessary, such as inspections or further notifications.

Although documenting the report and informing local authorities would also be an important step in the overall response to a bridge strike, the specific action of adding it to the TSRB is critical for immediate operational awareness. Closing the bridge for all traffic or advising trains to slow down could be appropriate responses, but they are contingent upon assessment of the situation and subsequent decisions made in coordination with existing protocols and safety assessments.