Systems for railroad switch position detection

A portable railroad switch position detector comprising:

• a first detector configured to be positioned between switch rails of a rail track, the first detector including:
• a body having a first end and a second end;
• a first sensor coupled to the first end of the body and configured to detect a first switch rail tip of the switch rails;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• calculate a first distance between the first sensor and the first switch rail tip;
• and
• based on the first distance, determine a position of the switch rails between a first position and a second position;
• and
• based on the position of the switch rails, transmit a first signal to one or more beacons positioned on the rail track;
• wherein a height of the first detector is less than or equal to 10 centimeters.

A method of operating a railroad safety system, the method comprising:

• detecting, via a detector positioned between a rail track, a position of switch rails;
• transmitting a first signal to a first beacon positioned on a first line of the rail track;
• transmitting a second signal to a second beacon positioned on a second line of the rail track;
• detecting, via the detector, a change in the position of the switch rails;
• and
• transmitting a switch signal to the first and second beacons.