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I've been checking the OTP for the trains we will be on over the last few weeks. Today's Southwest Chief, Tain no. 3(16) is anticipated to arrive in L.A. almost 6 hours late!! What happened? Was this maybe a result of Midwest flooding before the route was suspended between GBB and KCY?
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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From the announcement at the website:
Service Alert: Southwest Chief, California Zephyr & Empire Builder — Midwest Flooding Disrupts Service
June 17, 2008 10 am CDT
Amtrak service is disrupted at Fort Madison and Burlington, Iowa, and south of St. Paul, Minn., due to flooding on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Affected are the Amtrak Southwest Chief route between Los Angeles and Chicago, via Kansas City; (snip) In addition to closing railroad routes and stations, flooded highways are making the provision of alternate transportation by chartered motorcoach impossible in some cases.
Passengers are urged to call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL if they have travel plans on the three routes below, through June 20. Those passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates.
Southwest Chief, Trains 3 & 4
Service by the Southwest Chief between Kansas City and Galesburg, Ill.,is temporarily suspended due to flooding on the BNSF Railway route in Iowa, effective June 17.
Alternate transportation by chartered motorcoaches will be provided between Kansas City and Galesburg, with the exceptions of La Plata, Mo., and Fort Madison. Passengers ticketed at those stops are being offered travel at other Amtrak stations in Illinois. (remainder snipped)
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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From Mr Norman, there appears to be a Galesburg local running into Chicago.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Reviewing Train Status further, #3(16) departed KC also about 6 hours late. It would appear that it held schedule for its journey.
As I noted earlier, there is no direct Chi to KC Interstate highway. Be assured, the highwaymen wanted one, but even they don't get everything they want....well almost everything.
I would not be surprised if these Chief Zephyr Builder busteetoots are discontinued before full rail service is restored to the affected routes. There was on WBBM 780 "Traffic and Weather on the Eights" 648AM segment today, a summary of the Amtrak annullments. The reporter also stated "Amtrak says, you will have to find another way".
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Today at 335P or when roundly #3 Chief passes 18.34, an Amtrak train with a Superliner consist passes. I was unable to observe it closely enough to note the consist (I was sitting on a neighbor's porch).
RRRICH Member # 1418
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How long would it take to drive between Galesburg and Kansas City (on a "bustitution?") Travel time on the SWC is approximately 5 hours, give or take.
Seems like it would take about the same length of time by bus, but I am not that familiar with the Interstates up there.
P.S. AMTRAK web site today says that the SWC is probably going to resume running on its full route tomorrow (6/20)
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