Amtrak's Empire Builder out of action

[schweitzerdude]

Across the road from my house is BNSF's mainline and the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle/Portland passes through in the middle of the night (one train each way/day). Distinctive sound and whistle from freights. A couple of times I've seen them in the daytime which is when you know something went wrong.

Today, my neighbor, who is a train buff, said its been out of service for about a week due to flooding (Devils Lake in North Dakota I believe). I asked him why not reroute but he said freight is so jammed up, no can do, so Amtrak is using busses (west of Minneapolis I believe). Anyone with corrections to what I've said, plus additional info on this, please respond. Thanks.

 

[PerRock]

As far as I know they are not providing alternate transportation (aka buses). Devils Lake is not the only problem spot, it's just the main one; Souris River has been posing some issues as well. Shortened EBs are running between Chicago & MSP, Seattle & Spokane, Portland & Spokane, and occasionally Chicago & Whitefish. BNSF (the line owner) is having problems with flooding (as well as other companies, like UP) and so the "Highline", the line used by Amtrak, has much more freight on it then normal. Trains can get thru; just BNSF isn't letting Amtrak thru.

(my last update was of 8pm yesterday)

peter

 

[schweitzerdude]

Re Empire Builder

I was laying awake and just heard an eastbound Empire Builder go by (on time!), so apparently they are going at least as far east as Whitefish (only stop between Sandpoint and Whitefish is Libby, MT) as you said. Thanks for the update, PerRock.