What action should employees take when a restricted area is less than two miles away from a terminal or junction?

When a restricted area is located less than two miles from a terminal or junction, displaying a yellow-red flag serves as an essential warning signal for train crews and employees. The yellow-red flag indicates that there is a specific hazard or condition that requires heightened awareness and caution in that vicinity.

This precaution is vital for maintaining safety in areas where train operations could be affected by potential risks, ensuring that personnel and equipment are properly alerted to the need for vigilance. The use of flags is a standard practice in railroad operations to communicate important safety information effectively and promptly.

In contrast, the other options either do not specifically address the requirement for flagging in this context or may not be the most appropriate response to the presence of a restricted area. Notifying the train dispatcher or changing the train's route may be necessary in certain situations but do not align directly with the immediate action of notifying others through visual signals. Similarly, slowing down to 10 mph is a cautionary measure typically applied to various safety concerns but does not specifically apply to the protocol for alerting staff about a restricted area.