FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2014
ATK-14-046
Amtrak Contact: Marc Magliari
312 544.5390
[email protected]
BNSF Contact Amy McBeth: 763 782.3212
[email protected]
AMTRAK EMPIRE BUILDER DETOURS IN NORTH DAKOTA TO
SPEED BNSF RAILWAY TRACK & SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS
Chartered buses to represent westbound train in three cities;
Amtrak CEO Boardman to visit affected region later this week
CHICAGO – Amtrak has agreed to a request by BNSF Railway to temporarily detour the
westbound Empire Builder (Train 7/27) in North Dakota to speed the improvement of BNSF
infrastructure between Fargo and Minot, N.D. Chartered buses will cover the missed Amtrak
stations in Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby through Sept. 30, 2014.
The use of an alternate route for the westbound Empire Builder will enable BNSF to
accomplish work in shorter time. The eastbound Empire Builder (Train 8/28) will operate
normally and serve all scheduled stops. A Passenger Service Notice is attached.
Amtrak has been notifying affected passengers and public officials. In addition, Amtrak
President and CEO Joe Boardman is visiting the affected region later this week and the lengthy
delays the Empire Builder has incurred will be a major topic in meetings with leaders in each of
these North Dakota communities.
“Local community and business leaders prize the Empire Builder and see Amtrak service
as an important public transportation link,” said DJ Stadtler, Amtrak Vice President, Operations.
“BNSF needs to speed repairs and upgrades in order to return the Empire Builder to its previous
reliability as fast as possible. We fully expect this work to be done by the end of September -- at
the latest.”
BNSF has announced it is investing approximately $400 million in North Dakota to
expand, replace and maintain its infrastructure, and for the implementation of Positive Train
Control (PTC).
-more-
-2-
ATK-14-046
This includes three siding projects between Grand Forks and Minot and four siding
projects between Fargo and Grand Forks. Other work along the route involves installation of new
turnouts, high speed surfacing/shoulder ballast cleaning, replacement of ties, rail relay and signal
upgrades.
“We are committed to investing in our infrastructure to support the region’s growing
economy and to better serve all of our freight customers and Amtrak’s passenger service,” said
DJ Mitchell, AVP Passenger Operations, BNSF Railway. “This plan will allow the work to occur
more efficiently and will benefit everyone.”
About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak
and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the
National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the
President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey
R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300
daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three
Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more
information. Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.
About BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles
of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and
agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food
and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day.
BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the
industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we
provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.
# (attachment) #
Empire Builder Train 7/27 Detour Affects Westbound Service at
Grand Forks, Devils Lake & Rugby, N.D.
Attention Amtrak Passengers: BNSF Railway Co. has asked Amtrak to temporarily use an alternate westbound route in North Dakota, resulting in Empire Builder Train 7/27 missing Amtrak stations in Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby. As a result of this detour, passengers on Train 7/27 who are traveling to these cities will detrain at Fargo and be provided chartered bus service to their destination stations. Westbound passengers who are boarding at Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby will be brought to Minot where they will board the westbound train. This detour will be temporary and is expected to shorten the time BNSF needs to make needed track and signal repairs to restore Empire Builder reliability. Amtrak will resume normal service as soon as possible. At this time, the westbound Empire Builder is planned to use the alternate route through September, 30, 2014. The eastbound Empire Builder Train 8/28 will operate normally and will make all scheduled stops. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. For reservations and up‐to‐date schedule information, visit Amtrak.com, use our free mobile apps or call 800‐USA‐RAIL (1‐800‐872‐7245).
PSN 0514-73 Issued May 6, 2014 Remove October 1, 2014
Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.