(Amtrak issued the following press release on June 7, 2011.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak services on two routes in the Central U.S. are affected by current and predicted flooding. Passengers with travel plans on these routes are urged to call 800-USA-RAIL for additional information.
Empire Builder (Trains 7/27 & 8/28)
Amtrak service continues to be temporarily suspended west of St. Paul, Minn., due to a BNSF Railway Co. track closure with flooding between Devils Lake and Rugby, N.D. This suspension includes the daily originations of the trains from Portland, Seattle and Chicago through this Thursday, June 9.
Daily Amtrak Empire Builder service will be maintained between Chicago and St. Paul and between Spokane, Wash., and both Portland, Ore., and Seattle with alternate transportation via trains and/or chartered motorcoaches. No Amtrak service is available for these days in Minnesota (except St. Paul, Red Wing & Winona), North Dakota, Montana and Idaho.
California Zephyr (Trains 5 & 6)
Amtrak service will be temporarily suspended between Denver and Chicago due to predicted flood crests and anticipated additional BNSF Railway Co. track closures in the Omaha area. This suspension is effective with the origination of the eastbound Train 6 on Thursday, June 9, from Emeryville, Calif., and the origination of the westbound Train 5 on Friday, June 10, from Chicago. This disruption is expected to continue through at least June 14.
Daily Amtrak California Zephyr service will be maintained between Emeryville and Denver and by other trains between Chicago and Galesburg, Ill. No Amtrak service is available for these days in Iowa (except Ft. Madison), Nebraska, and in Ft. Morgan, Colo.
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant. Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates.