Am considering a trip west on the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland in Mid-June. Due to recent flooding , I have heard that BNSF has MAJOR track and bridge work scheduled over that route in the coming months. My question is this: will there be any actual complete disruption of Amtrak service over that route---in which Amtrak must BUS passengers around work areas ?? Or, will Amtrak service actually be able to continue only with some speed "limits" and other "slow-downs ?" If there will ARE actual complete service dispruptions that Amtrak must face over the route , I will simply plan on heading west over a different route. I understand that there have already been service disruptions between Minneapolis and Chicago. Will these continue , or are the Amtrak trains now able to pass through between the two cities. Any answers will be appreciated. JOHN
Welcome aboard, John Sorry I can't help with your query, but I am sure someone here will have some info. Hope you make it to the west coast
Alan, Thanks for your response. I was really looking forward to the trip west on the Empire Builder as it is one of my favorite trains/routes. But, after I heard of the current (and planned ?) service disruptions , I am having second thoughts. I already know that there has been complete disruptions between Chicago and Minneapolis , with Amtrak bussing passengers around that area----AND that there are plans for more track and bridge work due to the flooding. But , I did not know if this would involve actual service DISRUPTION or just delays (which I can "live" with. So I , too , am hopeful one of your "crew" can assist me with some "inside" information before I actually consider ticketing a trip over that route.
Welcome Aboard John, You could try the BNSF website, they have been posting updates about the floods in the upper mississippi river valley. As far as I've heard there is just a slow down now they were stopped for a while but with the river cresting and now heading down, they should be doing repair now. You have another month but keep an eye on the website above and also call Amtrak and they will give you info as well. Good luck. BTW I'm not to far from Portland only a 5 hour drive. Welcome to the Pacific NW!
