News Summary
Amtrak has announced the cancellation of its Wolverine and Blue Water train services from September 15 to September 19, 2024. This disruption, due to the dismantling of two coaling towers in Michigan City and Augusta, will affect travel between Chicago and Pontiac, as well as Chicago and Port Huron. Charter buses will be provided, but passengers should expect longer wait times and limited capacity. The changes are part of broader infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving rail services in the region, although they create immediate inconvenience for travelers.
Michigan City, IN – Amtrak has announced the cancellation of its Wolverine and Blue Water train services from September 15 to September 19, 2024, due to the dismantling of two coaling towers located in Michigan City, Indiana, and Augusta, Michigan. This disruption will impact travel between Chicago and Pontiac, as well as between Chicago and Port Huron in Michigan.
During the service interruption, Amtrak will provide charter buses as alternative transportation for affected passengers. However, travelers should prepare for longer wait times and limited capacity on these buses, which may cause additional delays on their journeys. The service changes are part of Amtrak’s efforts to upgrade rail infrastructure in the region.
The coaling towers, which were used in the past to load coal into trains to fuel steam locomotives, have been deemed obsolete with the advent of diesel electric engines. The last use of these structures dates back to the 1950s, when steam engines were still in operation. The decision to dismantle the towers follows approvals from state historic preservation agencies and Indiana legislators.
Train services affected include the eastbound train 352 from Chicago to Pontiac, the eastbound train 364 from Chicago to Port Huron, and the westbound trains 351 from Pontiac to Chicago, and 365 from Port Huron to Chicago. This service disruption is expected to affect passenger convenience significantly, as travelers rely on these trains for timely transit across the state.
After September 19, Amtrak plans to operate trains 350 and 353 only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 30, due to ongoing track improvements. These changes indicate a broader commitment to enhancing railway services, although they will further complicate travel for users of the Wolverine and Blue Water lines.
The Blue Water Line typically makes stops at important locations such as Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, East Lansing, and Flint. Meanwhile, the Wolverine Line’s major stops include New Buffalo, Jackson, and Ann Arbor. With the upcoming cancellations, disruptions in service are expected at these key stations.
Travelers should be aware that while Amtrak trains have a maximum speed of 110 miles per hour on these routes, the charter buses will not match this speed, which may lead to longer total travel times. Close attention to time schedules is advised for passengers needing to reach their destinations punctually.
The announcement of the planned service disruptions was made by Amtrak in November 2024, leaving some passengers and stakeholders frustrated by the late notification. Concerns have been raised about the implications of these cancellations on both passengers and rail service employees.
In light of the significant disruptions, state senator Sean McCann has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the timing and communication of the route closures. As the dismantling of the coaling towers moves forward, it highlights the extensive changes occurring within Amtrak’s infrastructure and service offerings in Michigan and surrounding areas.
While the decision to eliminate obsolete structures is a step towards modernization, the immediate impacts on travel and passenger satisfaction remain a priority for stakeholders involved. Travelers are urged to anticipate and plan for the upcoming service interruptions between September 15 and September 19, and to keep abreast of any further announcements regarding schedule changes.
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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
