Amtrak Services Disrupted for Coaling Tower Removal

News Summary

Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation will remove two defunct coaling towers, causing significant disruptions to train services from September 15 to 19. The Bluewater Line and Wolverine Line will be affected, with operations halted and alternative bus transport provided. Passengers are advised of potential delays. Though the Pere Marquette Line will remain unaffected, criticism has arisen over the late notice of these service changes, highlighting the need for better communication to minimize traveler inconvenience.

Michigan City, Indiana—Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) are set to remove two defunct coaling towers in Indiana and Southwest Michigan, resulting in significant train service disruptions that will last for five days. The removal will directly affect Amtrak’s Bluewater Line and Wolverine Line, with operations suspended from September 15 to September 19.

The Bluewater Line, which connects Chicago and Port Huron, will not operate during the closure. This line typically includes stops in several key cities, such as Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, East Lansing, and Flint. While running services will be halted, Amtrak plans to provide east- and westbound bus transportation for affected travelers. Passengers should be aware that the bus travel times will not match the speed of the trains, leading to potential delays.

In addition to the Bluewater Line, the Wolverine Line—which operates three times a day between Chicago and Pontiac, making stops in cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Jackson—will also see service reductions. However, alternative transportation measures will only be implemented for Train 351, which departs from Pontiac at 5:45 a.m., and Train 352, which leaves Chicago at 2:15 p.m. Passengers using these particular trains should expect possible adjustments in their travel times.

The coaling towers, which stand at 100 feet tall, were last utilized in the 1950s. They were specifically designed to allow coal to be dropped directly into trains, serving an essential function in railway operations during their time. The decision to dismantle the towers has been supported by state historic preservation agencies and Indiana lawmakers, but not without some contention.

The dismantling process will require careful management to maintain traffic flow on Red Arrow Highway and ensure the integrity of the railroad tracks beneath. Amtrak has prepared for this by scheduling bus departures from Chicago and Port Huron to line up with the affected train services, stopping at stations along the route.

Importantly, the Pere Marquette Line, which runs daily from Grand Rapids to Chicago, is not expected to be impacted by this shutdown, allowing those passengers to continue their travel plans without any adjustments.

Amtrak first communicated the planned service disruptions through its service alert center on September 3, but this late notice has drawn criticism from local leaders. State Senator Sean McCann expressed frustration over the timing, emphasizing the potential inconveniences that the sudden changes could cause for travelers and rail workers alike. He criticized Amtrak for not having a clearer understanding of the implications of the tower remediation activities sooner.

The announcement concerning the removal of the coaling towers was initially made in November 2024, according to local reports. As the scheduled service disruptions approach, Amtrak is encouraging passengers to stay informed regarding their travel options and to prepare for necessary adjustments during this five-day period.

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