Sensor for turning rail direction
If you are using a microprocessor, specifically an Arduino, then what you need to do is send the signal from the 'switch' (as defined by Mark Smith) into a digital input port and then let the Arduino make the electronics pause before reversing.  From you post it sounds like (and I am probably wrong) you have put the switch in between the power source and the actuator.



(Diagram by Majenko)