Crossover project aims to improve CZ service The work will let engineers weave around slower-moving freight trains. Des Moines Register reports construction has begun on a $17.3 million track project aimed at increasing the reliability of Amtrak’s California Zephyr in southern Iowa by alleviating congestion and allowing faster speeds. The powered crossovers will enable passenger trains to switch quickly from one mainline to another in an area that frequently experiences rail traffic bottlenecks.
Paid for by stimulus money, interestingly. Completion scheduled before summer 2012. Article is here Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
This is an encouraging project and one that will benefit BNSF as well as Amtrak passengers......
But I wonder how noticeable the impact of this project will be to the average railfan passenger?
Posted by Thunderbush (Member # 30533) on :
Ummm sorry but the CZ never had a problem getting around the loads and MTY's back in the day. It could be crossed over by the DS in Ottumwa or by switchtenders in Ottumwa outside of town,Fairfield, Mt Pleasant,Dayman, Burlington Happy Rock ( Gladstone) and Monmouth. I think its funny but those "bottlenecks " are caused by the CZ not by the freights.