Mixed Signals

A major factor in this mystery is the situation of the signals. Here's a quick rundown of the theories I have heard from various sources...

• So long as there was time for the go-slow order to be posted on the notice board for train crews coming on duty, the PRR did not have to have yellow lights or flags at the site.
• the PRR rule No. 701 required a yellow light or flag at a restricted area - which would have been too late for The Broker to slow down. The CNJ, by contrast, had the same rule but added one requiring the signal be placed at least 4,000 feet in advance of the restriction.
  
• The PRR had a rule that yellow signals were required on all go-slow areas regardless, but the NY Division never bothered to follow it, or at least didn't in this instance.
• That the line from Jersey City to Bay Head was divided between the PRR and another railroad to the south - the second railroad required yellow signals, but the PRR didn't and Fitzsimmons somehow forgot under whose rules he was operating and was looking for yellow lights as if he were under the other railroad's rules (he is quoted in contemporary articles as having said he was indeed searching in vain for yellow lights prior to the accident).
• That in addition to no signals at the construction site, the regular permanent signal showed as clear, not slow, further adding to the confusion over just where the go-slow area was.

One thing which troubles me is that even in the absence of yellow signals, assuming Fitzsimmons remembered that there was a go-slow area just south of the Woodbridge train station, he should have known where he was by virtue of passing that station. Granted, it was night and on the left side of his train - and being an express, he didn't stop there. But it would have been lit up and seems hard to miss. Everything I have read or heard from people who worked with Fitzsimmons considered him an excellent engineer. That's not to say that a moment's lapse couldn't have happened, of course. But it seems difficult to understand.