Is it true?

[Bluewater]

Hi all.

I read on another site that MDOT and Amtrak have had secret plans to build a new line from GR to Chicago via South Bend, but I can't find any mention of it. Is this true, or are the idiots over on that site pulling a disabled veterans leg (and I'm not refering to myself, as I am not a veteran)


Thanks!

--Bluewater, The Conrail Guru

 

[PerRock]

I have heard of no such plans. There is plans to run an Amtrak-owned line along the current route in Indiana, which when completed, will eliminated the inevitable delays that happen in that area. Currently the Chicago Line (which is what that section thru Indiana is) is completely full of trains. Amtrak cannot run additional services thru there, nor can NS (there is a small hole for 'specials'). The proposed Amtrak line thru that area is one that is supported by: Amtrak, NS, MI, OH, and IL; the current hold up on it, is that USDOT wants the state to help pay for it, but IN doesn't want to as it doesn't really serve their state (there are 2 or 3 stops in IN on that line). I wouldn't be surprised if there was talk about running a new line via that route back before Amtrak bought the section between IN & Kzoo. But with Amtrak & MDOT owning the Michigan Line from IN to Ypsi, we aren't going to see and new alternative routes to Chicago for quite some time.

peter