Michigan train routes halted for five days in September

The firm indicated Michigan Chicago routes of trains will be temporarily suspended from September 15 until September 19, as personnel dismantle obsolete coaling towers placed above live tracks, causing temporary closures and limited routes among commuters.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Michigan service disruption affects key Amtrak routes

The closure will impact Wolverine and Blue Water schedules. Trains linking Chicago and Pontiac and Port Huron will not operate for five consecutive days. Some of the routes will have charter buses, but availability is limited.

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Train 352 and 364 running east and 351 and 365 running west will actually be replaced with buses. Ridership will have more prolonged trips, however, as buses won’t be able to compete with 110 mph of passenger trains.

Passenger impact and Michigan’s long-term rail improvements

Trains 350 and 353 from Chicago to Pontiac will not operate on September 19, but alternate buses will. Meanwhile, weekday service will still remain restricted until October 30 to enable more Wolverine corridor track upgrades.

The rundown coaling towers, which used to be for refueling locomotives, now present dangers. The authorities explained that removing them under controlled conditions prevents accident. The state lawmakers criticized the short notice, seeing that Michigan riders and workers on the tracks experience uncertainty for the period of the suspension.

Source: www.detroitnews.com

What makes the Michigan train routes suspended in September?

They’re being suspended to allow for the demolition of two of these outdated coaling towers over live Amtrak tracks. The structures have been of no use and need to come down before they collapse.

What alternatives do impacted passengers have?

The charter buses will be provided by Amtrak on special routes from Port Huron, Chicago, and Pontiac. Only limited capacity will exist and bus trips will be more extended than daily trips for trains.

How will this suspension affect Michigan commuters long term?

Closures will be temporary and will take place from September 15 until September 19. However, weekday service changes will continue until October 30 because of the current upgrades on Wolverine and Blue Water service.

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