(The following appeared on the Chicago Sun-Times website on July 2.)
CHICAGO — Normal service has resumed on two of three Amtrak routes between the West Coast and Chicago disrupted by flooding in the Midwest.
Although the Amtrak Empire Builder and Southwest Chief are again operating on their routes in Wisconsin, Missouri and Iowa, service is still disrupted on the Amtrak California Zephyr between Chicago and Denver, according to a release from Amtrak.
Through July 5, passengers are urged to call Amtrak at (800) USA-RAIL if they have travel plans through the affected areas of the San Francisco Bay-Chicago route of the Zephyr.
Those passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates, if needed.
Service on the Empire Builder between St. Paul and Chicago, suspended since June 10 due to flooding in Wisconsin, resumed Tuesday, the release said.
Service on the California Zephyr on the BNSF line between Denver and Chicago has been suspended since June 13 due to flooding in Iowa.
Alternate transportation by chartered motorcoach will be provided between Denver and points in Nebraska, including Omaha. No alternate transportation is available to or from points in Iowa. Alternate transportation between Chicago and other points in Illinois will be provided by other Amtrak trains.
Passengers are encouraged to call (800) USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates.