(The Billings Gazette posted the following article on its website on August 20.)
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Amtrak officials in Chicago say renovations on five sets of trains that run the Empire Builder route should be finished by Sunday.
First-class sleeping cars are being redecorated and getting updated bedrooms and redesigned showers. The interiors of the double-deck coaches, dining and lounge cars also are being refurbished for the first time since they went into service more than 20 years ago.
There also are plans to bring a more regional flavor to dining car menus and to expand amenities such as movies and games that already are offered, officials said.
The Empire Builder route covers eight states between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. In Montana it stops at Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning, East Glacier Park, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish and Libby.