Junction (rail)
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A junction, in the context of rail transport, is a place at which two or more rail routes converge or diverge. This implies a physical connection between the tracks of the two routes, provided by points and signalling. Junctions are important for rail systems, their installation into a rail system can expand route capacity, and have a powerful impact upon on-time performance.
Chicago Transit Authority signal tower 18 guides elevated Chicago 'L' north and southbound Purple and Brown lines intersecting with east and westbound Pink and Green lines and the looping Orange line above the Wells and Lake street intersection in the loop.
Junction in track of Singapore LRT
A double junction in Cardiff, Wales
A junction in Baranowicze, Poland, 1934 (since 1939 in Belarus)
Railroad switch
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A railroad switch (AE), turnout, or [set of] points (CE) is a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another, such as at a railway junction or where a spur or siding branches off.
A right-hand railroad switch with point indicator pointing to right
Large stations may have hundreds of normal and double switches (Frankfurt am Main main station, Germany).
Abt switch used in the 1895-built Dresden Funicular Railway (photo of 1985)
Control stand of a defunct railroad switch on the way from Pyin Oo Lwin to Goteik viaduct (Myanmar)