Passenger Trains > New Service Disruption for Builder in MN

Noted that today's Train 7, Empire Builder is in service disruption near Winona, MN.  This is in addition to the disruption already noted on TO to the 7 due at  Seattle this AM.  Anyone know what is wrong with today's  7 at Winona, MN?

Train #7/27 that left Chicago on 1/6 is still moving west even though it is in service disruption, If you notice.- or as of a few minutes ago - it was still showing a speed (mph) as well as progress in moving. I think the issue is becoming - what to do with the Empire Builders once they reach Spokane......

The route between Portland and Spokane appears to be back open after being cleared from a derailment, but Stevens Pass (route to Seattle) Is CLOGGED and completely shutdown. HIghways too. See Western Board. Coal train derailed right at the Cascade Tunnel. Trains are stacked up on the line and no one really seems to know what to do with the #7 Empire Builder (departed Chicago 1/4) that's stuck up their in the Pass. One report said that they may route everything to Portland......

Additionally, there's mudslides between Portland and Seattle shutting down that corridor. Pacific Northwest is a mess, and its wrecked havoc with the Empire Builders. Typically to get back on time they'll turn the consists at Spokane - but then Amtrak wouldn't be able to guarantee bus transportation from Spokane to Seattle, technically. 

Either they need to run the Empire Builders to Portland or turn them at Spokane. 

If Amtrak anticipates a downline irregularity in a train's operation, it is often placed in Service Disruption, even if at the time it is operating normally and on schedule.

Empire Builder 7(6), delayed about an hour at initial terminal, Chicago for mechanical, has remained about an hour off schedule all the way to departure from St. Paul.

However, Empire Builder 7(5) was stopped at Browning account "disabled" BNSF ahead.  It lost about three hours there, now on the move again 7 hours late.  I don't think anybody is sure of what will become of it after Spokane.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/22 01:10 by GenePoon.