USA - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Introduction
Obscure services
Alaska
Matanuska, south siding switch – South Palmer AK1
At the end of August/beginning of September each year the State Fair is held at Palmer. Alaska Railroad operate excursions from Anchorage on some days (2024 dates: 30 August, 31 August, 1 September); for timings see Alaska Railroad website. South Palmer is 4.2 miles from the junction. Report updated: July 2024
Anchorage, Airport Branch Junction – Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport AK2
This spur line see schematic plan - 2.5 miles long - is used only by chartered trains for cruise companies Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea which berth at Seward. Services in 2017 were: from Seward Cruise Dock at 08:00 on alternate Thursdays for Silversea and at 0650 on Fridays for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, returning from the airport at about 13:00 the same days, to connect into the respective vessels' evening departures. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. There are no booked workings over the north leg of the wye. Report updated: November 2017
Fairbanks AK3
To turn ready for their return journey, trains normally approach the station direct (0.2 miles) and leave around a balloon loop (1.3 miles - both distances from road overbridge) see schematic plan. Note that the current passenger station is on Golden Heart Lead, east of the road overbridge shown, while the previous (now closed) 1960-built passenger station was on the short south-facing spur on right of plan. Report updated: October 2013
Portage : wye AK4
The south-east leg of the wye at Portage is used by the summer-only Glacier Discovery train on the morning segment from Whittier to Grandview; it reverses at both south junction (to turn the train) and at Portage station (the north junction, to pick up/set down passengers). In the afternoon, the return working from Grandview to Whittier simply reverses at Portage station and does not use the south-east leg. Trains Anchorage ⇔ (a) Whittier or (b) Seward, respectively, use the other two legs of the wye. Report updated: March 2021
Seward AK5
There are two passenger "branches" at Seward, south of Yard Switch see schematic plan. Note: Yard Switch is connection between Jesse Lee Main and Upper #8 https://rrmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Streetcar-Map_U21.pdf
- Passenger station: 1.2 miles of the original main line, to its current terminus, used by the summer-only Coastal Classic train Anchorage ⇔ Seward
- Cruise passenger dock terminus: 1.3 miles of the coal dock/cruise dock branch, used only by chartered trains for cruise companies Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea. Services in 2017 were as shown in entry AK2, plus a Sunday train at 0650 for Holland America to Anchorage station ("Historic Depot"), returning at 1230. All connect with vessel sailings. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. A summary of cruise ship arrivals and departures at Seward can be found via Schedules (but not all vessels have train connections!). Report updated: August 2021
Skagway AK6
In addition to the public service from the depot at Second and Spring Streets, the White Pass & Yukon Route operate chartered trains for cruise companies from alongside the several docks where the cruise ships berth. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. A summary of cruise ship arrivals and departures can be found at Skagway's Cruise Ship Calendar or Schedules. Report updated: August 2021
White Pass summit balloon
See under Canada - British Columbia. White Pass & Yukon Route trains to the summit only use a balloon loop at 21.4 mile post to return to Skagway. The summit itself is at the border - the new balloon is inside British Columbia.
Fraser balloon loop
See under Canada - British Columbia
Arizona
Vail, CP S1000 – Mescal, CP S1023 AZ1
The two tracks used by the west and eastbound Sunset Limited (trains 1 and 2) are separated for 23.3 miles of the Lordsburg Subdivision: one uses the original Southern Pacific alignment, the other the original El Paso & Southwestern alignment. Reported: August 2006
Grand Canyon : wye AZ2
Grand Canyon Railway trains use the wye to turn prior to arrival at Grand Canyon station. Reported: August 2024
Griffith – Kingman AZ3
The two bi-directional tracks over this 10.4 mile section are separated. The working of Southwest Chief (trains 3 and 4) is at dispatcher's discretion. (There are also more minor divergences further east, at other locations in Arizona and New Mexico). Reported: June 2012
Truxton AZ4
A long flyover (opened 25 October 2020), between Kingman and Seligman, enables eastbound trains to cross from the south track to the north track (both tracks are reversible), without fouling westbound trains, to take advantage of optimum grades. The eastbound Southwest Chief (train 4) would normally be expected to use the flyover - at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: February 2022
Arkansas
Little Rock: Central Arkansas Transit - River Rail AR1
A temporary service is in operation until December 2024 with part of the system closed - see route map. In normal operations, two short linking curves are used only as follows:
- River Market Avenue to East Second Street: Blue Line daily but only after 1745. This is used by all Blue Line cars during the temporary service
- Main Street to Cumberland Street (along East Markham Street): Green Line SuX but only until 1800. This is not in use during the temporary service
The branch between River Market Avenue/Second Street and the Presidential Library/Heifer International (World Avenue/Third Street) is used by both Green (not Sundays) and Blue Lines - but only until 1745 daily. Service suspended on this branch until December 2024. Report updated: December 2022
[Van Buren - Winslow - ] Springdale - Monett, MO AR2
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad operate regular excursions south of Springdale over 66.9 miles of former St. Louis San Francisco line. In addition, very occasional excursions run northwards towards Monett, MO (61.0 miles), as in September 2022 but unlikely to apply often. Reported: August 2022
California
San Diego : Santa Fe Depot – Seaport Village CA1
Entry deleted - now part of regular Green line route but see entry CA22 instead.
San Bernardino Depot – Rana CA2
There are two bi-directional routes between San Bernardino and the Riverside line at Rana (approx. 1.6 miles): Amtrak trains take the former Santa Fe's San Bernardino subdivision via West Yard while Metrolink trains (from and to their own platforms at San Bernardino Depot) use the more direct line. Reported: November 2000
Cajon – Summit CA3
Over this 6.9 mile section, track 3 follows a shorter, separate alignment from tracks 1 and 2. Although the eastbound Southwest Chief (train 4) usually uses the shorter track, the working of trains 3 and 4 is flexible and no particular track is certain. Report updated: June 2012
Rocklin - Newcastle - Auburn - Bowman - Colfax CA4
Over this 31.3-mile section, the two tracks follow different alignments, becoming adjacent between Newcastle and tunnel 18, and between Bowman and Clipper Gap. Both tracks are reversibly signalled between Colfax and Rocklin, and though normal operation has been westbound on track 1 and eastbound on track 2, crossovers at Colfax, Bowman and Newcastle allow trains to be routed on either track in either direction, at dispatcher's discretion. Track 1 is the original 1865 alignment (for the most part) of the transcontinental railroad, and track 2 is the more recent 1909 alignment. The Auburn passenger station (located at the site known as "Auburn - Nevada Street" in Southern Pacific days) is located on track 2 and served only by originating and arriving Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains which thus use track 2 in both directions between Newcastle and Auburn, and can use either track between Newcastle and Rocklin. The California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) can use either track between Rocklin and Colfax, and may cross from one track to another at Colfax, Bowman or Newcastle. Report updated: December 2016
Clipper Gap – Colfax CA5
Entry deleted - now subsumed within entry CA4
Ventura-East - CP Wye - Montalvo CA6
The platform - used by originating and arriving Metrolink Ventura County trains - is on the north leg of the triangular junction (wye) of the Fillmore branch; it is normally accessed from the south with a reversal on the branch at CP Wye. There is no regular use of the north access to the station. Amtrak trains do not serve this location and use the third (main line) leg. Report updated: September 2018
East Ash Hill – Siberia CA7
The two bi-directional tracks are separated (9.5 miles via northerly Track 1; 7.7 miles via southerly Track 2). Although the westbound Southwest Chief (train 3) usually uses the shorter track, the working of trains 3 and 4 is at dispatcher's discretion. Report updated: June 2012
West of Ibis CA8
The two bi-directional tracks are separated (0.8 miles longer via northerly Track 1 than southerly Track 2). The Southwest Chief (trains 3 and 4). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Report updated: June 2012
Los Angeles, CP Dayton – CP Pasadena Junction CA9
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Millbrae – San Francisco International Airport / San Bruno CA10
The regular route of BART's Yellow and Red lines, in both directions, is San Bruno ⇔ San Francisco International Airport ⇔ Millbrae. Only one journey is advertised over the direct link San Bruno ⇔ Millbrae: 23:58 SuX Antioch (01:38 MX from San Bruno) - Millbrae.Report updated: September 2024
Port of Long Beach CA11
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
North Elmhurst – North Newark, CP CO031 CA12
Coast Starlight (trains 11 and 14) use this 17.5 mile line instead of the route via Hayward and Fremont used by Capitol Corridor trains. Reported: December 2010
Haggin (Sacramento) – El Pinal (Stockton) CA13
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route between Sacramento and Stockton - the former Southern Pacific line via Lodi (Fresno Subdivision) - trains are diverted via the former Western Pacific line (Sacramento Subdivision) to the west - the normally freight-only route is 44.7 miles. Such diversions (which applied in spring, summer and autumn 2016, January 2017 and September 2019) appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the Lodi stops are omitted. Report updated: October 2019
[Los Angeles – ] Palmdale Junction – Tehachapi – Bakersfield – Modesto – Hicks (Stockton) [ – Oakland] CA14
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route between Oakland and Burbank - the coastal line - the Coast Starlight (trains 11/14) are diverted via the Union Pacific line through the Central Valley; no public joining/alighting stops are made (the normally freight-only element is 320.5 miles). The train also uses the three legs of the Lathrop wye (to turn), the Altamont Commuter Express route and the north leg of the Newark wye, to rejoin its normal route to Oakland (the earlier practice of continuing from Hicks via Stockton to Sacramento does not seem usually to apply now). Such diversions (which applied in autumn 2008, September 2011, February 2012, March 2013, September 2013, October 2017, April 2018 and September 2019) should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the intermediate calling points are omitted or replaced by Thruway bus. Report Up-dated: August 2020
Suisun-Fairfield – Napa Junction – Schellville – Sear's Point CA15
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
[Folsom Junction – ] Hampton station (Placerville Road, Folsom) – White Rock – El Dorado County boundary – Latrobe CA16
The operations of the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad are normally between Hampton and White Rock Road crossing because of restrictions on the use of (a) the road crossings between their base in the triangle (wye) at the former Folsom Junction and Hampton, and (b) the line within El Dorado County.
At present, trips beyond White Rock as far as the El Dorado County boundary (County Line Limited) usually run the last weekend of summer months, with one train on that Sunday morning running to Latrobe (Latrobe Breakfast Special), as advertised. Since January 2017 these trips have been limited to the site of a washout, 3 miles short of Latrobe. There are no regular opportunities to ride the section between Folsom Junction and Hampton, apart from Pumpkin Patch excursions in October which use part of this section. Approximate milepost mileages: Folsom Junction 111.1, Hampton 116.3, White Rock 118.0, El Dorado county boundary 119.6, Latrobe 125. Pumpkin Patch excursions in October use part of the Folsom Junction - Hampton section instead. Approximate milepost mileages: Folsom Junction 111.1, Hampton 116.3, White Rock 118.0, El Dorado county boundary 119.6, Latrobe 125.2.
See El Dorado Western Railroad's website Report updated: May 2023
Mount Hermon - Roaring Camp (Felton) [ - ] Santa Cruz wye [ - Santa Cruz Boardwalk] CA17
The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates Roaring Camp ⇔ Santa Cruz; trains arriving at Santa Cruz turn on the wye there. Each Wednesday during the season, passenger trains start back from Mount Hermon station (0.8 miles north of Roaring Camp station) on a charter basis for patrons of the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center - enquiries should be directed to the centre. Reported: July 2016
Honby - Humphreys CA18
Entry deleted - separated tracks replaced by conventional double track.
[Yosemite Mountain (Fish Camp) - ] Lewis Creek balloon loop CA19
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (3 foot gauge) operates Yosemite Mountain station ⇔ Lewis Creek. The balloon loop at Lewis Creek is only completely traversed by steam trains as the Jenny (petrol-railcar) services arrive and depart over the same half of the balloon. Reported: September 2018
Santa Paula - Fillmore - Piru CA20
Entry deleted - service withdrawn. See instead Sunburst Railbikes.
[West Sacramento - ] Fremont - Woodland trestle CA21
The Sierra Northern Railroad River Fox Train operates from Fremont (which it calls both Woodland and West Sacramento...) towards West Sacramento and back, so it seems unlikely that the section Fremont to Woodland trestle will be used. Despite the rolling stock being stabled at Woodland, and despite the implication of their advertising, it seems no passenger-carrying train actually reaches Woodland now - the claimed round trip mileage of 28 is clearly overstated. It is not clear in which direction the railbike facility (also based at Fremont) operates. Report updated: August 2021
San Diego Trolley CA22
The weekend downtown circular (clockwise only) Silver line of San Diego Trolley [a light rail system] uses two curves which otherwise have no regular service, to allow movements between Santa Fe Depot ⇔ America Plaza and Park & Market ⇔ Gaslamp Quarter (at 12th and Imperial Transit Center). Report updated: May 2023
[Niles - ] Sunol - Verona CA23
The Niles Canyon Railway normally operate over the 5 mile section of former Southern Pacific, through the eponymous canyon, between Sunol and Niles, although without joining/alighting at Niles until further notice. On a limited number of occasions, trips run east over the 5 mile section towards Hearst and Verona but, pending repair of storm damage, there are no trips east of Sunol on any regular basis until further notice. Report updated: July 2024
San Jose History Park Trolley CA24
The California Trolley & Railroad Corporation museum operates trips from their depot (trolley barn) in Phelan Avenue, normally within the confines of History Park. When specially advertised, trips are offered on a track (approx. ½ mile) alongside Senter Road, towards Happy Hollow Zoo. Reported: December 2023
San Francisco streetcars: Balboa Park Barn journeys CA25
The streetcars park at the Barn at the south end of Balboa Park adjacent to MUNI route M start/end stops, and run in service to/from the Barn and their normal route F along MUNI route J tracks. A towards Balboa Park journey in September 2024 ran normal route to the north to east curve off the Castro terminal loop at Noe St and 17th Street, then the 250 yard connecting line along 17th St and the west to south curve at 17th St & Church St onto Route J. Approaching Balboa Park it ran north to south at San Jose and Ocean and on the east side of the turning circle and Depot and continued to drop passengers off at the first stop used by departing Muni route M. The arrangements leaving the Depot are not known, and there are two options to reach their normal line of route, the connecting line along 17th St and direct via the east to west curve to the Castro stop, or the south to east curve at Market St & Church St, [that only has a single track for journeys in this direction]. September 2024 report.
Napa Valley Wine trains CA26
There are normally four different Tour options available per day, but only one travels all of their 18.7 miles track north from Napa to Krug. This (in September 2024) was the 10:15 seven course gourmet lunch 6-hour Legacy Experience train and the most expensive at $750.
Other options are normally all on the same train departing at 11:30 with travel either 14 miles to the Grgich Hills Winery or 17.7 miles to Saint Helena with care needed to specify which option you require on their website.
Colorado
Denver (UP Pullman Yard) – Speer Junction, WY [ – Cheyenne, WY] CO1
Entry deleted - Denver Post's Cheyenne Frontier Days special train withdrawn after 2018 trip; see instead CO6
Denver : wye at Prospect Junction CO2
The inbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) use the Prospect Junction - 31st. Street Yard link to turn prior to backing in to arrive at Denver Union Station. The outbound trains use the direct legs of the wye. Thus, the westbound train (5) covers the 31st. Street Yard - Prospect Junction and Prospect Junction - Union Station legs of the wye, while the eastbound train (6) covers the Prospect Junction - 31st. Street Yard and 31st. Street Yard - Union Station legs. Report updated: September 2018
Silverton : wye CO3
Most [Denver (UP Pullman Yard) – Speer Junction, WY [ – Cheyenne, WY] CO1 Entry deleted - Denver Post's Cheyenne Frontier Days special train withdrawn after 2018 trip; see instead CO6
Silverton : wye CO3
Most Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains are wyed (turned) between arrival and departure without passengers aboard. However, when a four-train service operates, one train may be wyed with passengers aboard. Reported: September 2016
Evans – Louisiana-Pearl CO4
This south-east curve - avoiding I25 & Broadway station - is used by E and H line depot workings from Evans: those journeys shown with an Evans departure on the southbound E, F and H current timetables. Note that in the opposite direction, depot journeys reverse at I25 & Broadway station or run empty. Report updated: May 2021
Antonito CO5
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad trains use different sides of a balloon loop in- and out- bound: inbound trains use a longer arc than outbound. Reported: September 2010
Denver – Speer Junction, WY [ – Salt Lake City, UT] CO6
When planned major engineering work or other obstruction (such as brush fire) blocks the regular Amtrak route Denver ⇔ Salt Lake City via the Moffat Tunnel, the California Zephyr (trains 5/6) is diverted via this route, the Union Pacific main line. The normally freight-only element is 618.7 miles (although about 1.3 miles of this also appear under entry CO13, below). Such diversions (which applied during May and June 2012, May 2014, May and June 2015, October 2016, September/October 2017 and August 2020), and should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving intermediate points]. Report updated: August 2023
Tabernash CO7
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated through Tabernash, between mileposts 65.1 and 67.1, the more southerly track 2 being longer than track 1. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: September 2013
Durango, Val-Air wye CO8
This wye and short "branch" - just south of Val-Air Airport, near Home Ranch siding - are used when 90 minute short distance round-trips are advertised from Durango by Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. These include their Great Pumpkin Patch and Polar Express trains. Reported: December 2022
[Leadville - ] French Gulch water tank – Talus Slope – Stork(e) Curve (Alicante) CO9
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad's regular 2½ hour trips - over the former Denver, South Park & Pacific - run 9.4 miles to French Gulch (141.8 mile). If 2¾ hour trips are advertised, they extend another 1.5 miles to Talus Slope (140.3 mile). Any trip advertised to Stork (sic) (usually only one a year) extends a further 1.7 miles to Storke Curve (Alicante) (138.6 mile). Report updated: August 2024
Fort Collins: Roosevelt Avenue / Mountain Avenue junction – Carbarn (1801 West Mountain Avenue) CO10
Fort Collins Municipal Railway's regular summer weekend trips cover 1.3 miles between City Park (Sheldon Drive) and Howes Street/Mountain Avenue. At the end of service, the car runs out of service from City Park at about 1700 to their carbarn, covering an additional 0.3 miles. Subject to the agreement of the motorman, it may be possible to ride this section. Report updated: August 2024
Denver downtown CO11
The downtown section of Denver's light rail system is a one-way (anti-clockwise) circuit of 14th St., California St., 19th St. and Stout St., with triangular (wye) junctions at each end. All trams entering the circuit return immediately in service to the route whence they entered (not so advertised but passengers are routinely carried - there is no facility for trams to lay-over), so it is practicable to cover all legs of the two wyes by riding L line plus any of D, F or H lines into, round, and out of the circuit. Reported: September 2018
Cumbres wye CO12
The wye (normally used for turning helper locomotives returning to Chama) is extended to run alongside a pavilion built at the top of the 10,000ft pass. Occasional Saturday evening trains run from Chama, NM, to Cumbres then reverse back over the wye through the snow shed to the side of the pavilion where passengers alight for a meal and entertainment. The return trip uses the other leg of the wye back to Chama. Usually once a month during the season May to October. Reported: January 2019
Denver Rocky Mountaineer loading point (36th Street Yard) – York Street, Beltline southern junction – UP Belt Line – Pecos, Beltline western junction CO13
Rocky Mountaineer inclusive tour trains use 1.3 miles of the Greeley Subdivision and 4.5 miles of the Moffat Tunnel Subdivision departing from and arriving at Denver, on a regular, seasonal basis. Report updated: August 2023
Big Horn wye
See under New Mexico
Connecticut
Providence & Worcester Railroad CT1
See MA6 under Massachusetts.
Essex - Old Saybrook and Deep River Landing - Haddam CT2
The Valley Railroad's Essex Steam Train regular operation is north from Essex to Deep River Landing (3.6 miles). Beyond there, the Essex Clipper dinner train, Eagle Flyer (February weekends) excursion and Fall Foliage excursion (October weekends - when advertised) extend to Goodspeed station [opposite East Haddam] (a further 4.6 miles) as advertised. These trains may extend a further mile to the present northern limit of useable track at 13½ mile post, short of Haddam station. A rail-bike facility is offered over the section south from Essex to Old Saybrook (4.0 miles each way) as advertised. The Autumn (Fall) rail-bike facility to Chester is over the normal train route towards Haddam. Report updated: November 2021
Delaware
[Greenbank - ] Mouth Cuba - Hockessin DE1
The 4.7 mile section of the Wilmington & Western Railroad beyond Mount Cuba is covered only by their Hockessin Flyer and weekend Autumn Leaf Special excursions, as advertised. Report updated: May 2021
Florida
Tampa : Neve wye FL1
Silver Star (trains 91 and 92) use Neve wye, near Gary, to turn prior to arrival at Tampa. Report updated: February 2022
Jacksonville : wye at Grand Junction FL2
Entry deleted - no longer used in passenger service
Auburndale : wye FL3
The east-west main line is used by Silver Star (trains 91 and 92) as between Orlando and Tampa, the south-west connector by Silver Star (trains 91 and 92) as between Miami and Tampa, and the south-east connector by Silver Meteor (trains 97 and 98). Report updated: December 2022
Tavares - Toronto - Winter Garden FL4
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
[Fort Myers (Colonial Station) - ] Tucker's Grade (beyond Gilchrist) - Punta Gorda FL5
The Seminole Gulf Railway operates on former Atlantic Coast Line's Naples branch. Murder Mystery trains (3½ hours round trip) normally work to "Tucker's Grade" (ca. 20 miles), but "certain special events such as our New Year’s Eve Gala" (to quote their website) may extend to Punta Gorda (a further 8.5 miles). Since hurricane Ian blew down Caloosahatchee trestle bridge in November 2022 trains have been confined to the line south from Fort Myers, but were expected to resume running northwards in August 2024 - enquire locally. Report updated: August 2024
Georgia
[Grand Junction (Chattanooga) – East Chattanooga, TN – ] Chickamauga – Summerville GA1
In addition to their frequent Missionary Ridge short trips Grand Junction ⇔ East Chattanooga, TN, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursions run two or three Saturdays or Sundays a month from March to September between Grand Junction ⇔ Chickamauga. Beyond there, their Summerville Steam Specials run a further 31.7 miles, as advertised from June to November (more freqently during October and early November). Report updated: August 2024
Savannah, Telfair Junction – Burroughs GA2
There are two bi-directional routes between these points for Savannah - Jacksonville Amtrak trains: the normal route is via Savannah Yard (ex-Seaboard Air Line) but the alternative via Southover Yard (ex-Atlantic Coast Line) may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: October 2013
Willacoochee - Nashville - Moody Air Force Base GA3
CaterParrott Railnet is a regional rail carrier which runs occasional excursions over this 40 mile section of former Georgia & Florida Railway (a Southern subsidiary, track now owned by the State of Georgia) as Azalea Sprinter. Trips start in Nashville (Georgia, not Tennessee!) or Willacoochee but only Liberty Runner trips cover the whole line. Report updated: August 2024
Cordele - Georgia Veterans State Park [ - Americus - ] Plains - Archery GA4
Historic S A M Short Line Railroad operate over this 43 mile section of the Heart of Georgia RR, former Seaboard Air Line. Only The Presidential Flyer and Peanut Express cover the Plains - Archery section and only those trains specifically mentioning Cordele as start or destination cover the Cordele - Georgia Veterans State Park section; other services cover portions of the middle section as advertised - see their schedule. Reported: August 2024
Illinois
Chicago Union Station : Canal Street wye IL1
The south-west leg of the wye is used by any trains that turn prior to arrival at the south end of Union station. There is much less wying of loaded trains, with arriving or departing short haul trains with a quick turn-round in Chicago being the most likely candidates. Report updated: March 2023
Chicago Union Station – 16th Street IL2
Between the south end of Union station and 16th Street, Amtrak trains can take one of four routes (given numbers here for convenience) en route to or from the CN (former Illinois Central) line to Champaign-Urbana:
- Route 1: North arm of Amtrak Canal Street wye - Union Avenue interlocking' (== Halsted Street Metra station) - change direction - 16th Street
- Route 2: Just short of 21st Street - change direction - southwest arm of Amtrak Canal Street wye - Union Avenue interlocking - change direction - 16th Street
- Route 3: 21st Street - 23rd Street (on the ex-Pennsylvania, now Norfolk Southern, line towards Englewood) - change direction - CN/NS (ex-IC/Penn.) Connection (857 - 877 points; also known as Amtrak wye) - 16th Street
- Route 4: 21st Street - Cermak [on CN line towards Bridgeport] - change direction - 16th Street
That section of routes 1 and 2 between Union Avenue and 16th Street is the St.Charles Air Line; BNSF and UP jointly own the line between Union Ave. and a point 70 feet west of the Bascule Bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River, CN owns the line from that point to 16th Street. The bascule bridge is controlled by CSX Bridge Tender. The St. Charles Air Line is currently closed for renewal work - so routes 1 and 2 are presently unavailable. Routes 1, 3 and 4 involve an inbound train propelling (backing) into Union station and an outbound train propelling (backing) out. The normal route for trains had been 1, but during the St.Charles Air Line closure route 3 is normally used. Report updated: March 2023
Granite City, WR Tower – St.Louis, MO, Gratiot Street IL4
There are two routes between these points for Chicago - St.Louis Amtrak trains: the normal route is via Venice Yard, East St.Louis Relay (Q Interlocking) and the MacArthur Bridge. The slower alternative route is via SH Interlocking, Merchants Bridge and the former Washington Avenue station but since June 2000 this has not been the normal Amtrak route; it is used only when freight congestion prevents use of the MacArthur Bridge or to provide the opportunity for arriving southbound Lincoln Service trains to turn - using the Poplar Street / Rutger Street / Gratiot Street wye - prior to arrival at St.Louis (instead of on the wye west of the station after discharging passengers) or for turning the Texas Eagle (trains 21/22) when using the diversion under route IL16 or other diversion requiring the train to be turned. Report updated: June 2016
Chicago : links at 17th Street Interlocking between Orange and Green Lines and Red Line IL5
A very short link between the Red Line and the elevated Orange and Green Lines - just north of Cermak-Chinatown station - is used by Red Line trains diverted over the loop elevated lines when the Red Line's tunnel section is closed for engineering work A reverse connection - south of the Roosevelt stations - is used by: - Orange and Green Line trains - to or from the west or south - diverted through the Red Line tunnel when engineering work blocks their elevated section - Red Line trains - to or from the north - diverted to the Green (or Orange) Lines when engineering work blocks their line south of Cermak-Chinatown station (as applied during 2013) Both these links were parts of the Red Line itself until its present line between Roosevelt and Cermak-Chinatown stations was opened on 21 February 1993. Report updated: September 2019
[Chicago –] Yard Center, Thornton Junction – Villa Grove – Lenox Tower [– St.Louis, MO] IL6
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Chicago ⇔ St.Louis via Springfield, the Texas Eagle (trains 21/22) is diverted via this route - the former Chicago & Eastern Illinois (the normally freight-only element is 255.9 miles). Note that Lincoln Service trains Chicago ⇔ St.Louis are usually replaced by bus. Such diversions (which applied during June, September, October 2016, May 2017 and May 2018) should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. Report updated: May 2018
Prairie Crossing: link track between former Milwaukee and former Wisconsin Central routes IL7
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Gresham Junction – Blue Island, Western Avenue Junction IL8
This 6.0 mile section of the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific main line is not "obscure", but may easily be overlooked: it is used by trains not scheduled to call at any of the Beverly Hills stations. Current schedule → Rock Island District. Report updated: February 2022
Marion – Ordill IL9
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Mapleton (Pekin) – Rawalts (Canton) IL10 Entry deleted - service withdrawn
[Omaha, NE – ] East Clinton – Elburn [ – Chicago] IL11
See IA3 under Iowa.
[St.Paul, MN – ] East Dubuque – West Aurora [ – Chicago] IL12
See WI2 under Wisconsin.
Joliet – Streator – Cameron Junction (Galesburg) CP1705 or CP1850 IL13
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Chicago ⇔ Galesburg via Mendota, the Southwest Chief (trains 3/4) and California Zephyr (trains 5/6) are diverted to Joliet, then via this 147.5 mile section of the former AT&SF main line. Note that trains Chicago ⇔ Quincy, IL are usually replaced by bus. Such diversions (which applied during October 2012 and November 2014) may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices. Reported: October 2014
Museum Campus/11th Street [Chicago] – 18th Street IL14
The tracks used by the inbound and outbound Metra Electric and South Shore Line trains are separated on the 0.79 miles between these stations. Reported: November 2013
Rosemont [Chicago] IL15
The tracks used by the inbound and outbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line trains are separated on the ca. 0.5 miles west to the CN (ex-Wisconsin Central) overbridge. Reported: November 2013
East St.Louis, MacArthur Bridge north approach - Thebes Bridge [ - Poplar Bluff, MO] IL16
When planned engineering work or other obstruction blocks the regular Amtrak route St.Louis ⇔ Poplar Bluff, MO - the former Missouri Pacific line - the Texas Eagle (trains 21/22) is diverted via the former St.Louis South Western route along the east bank of the Mississippi river - the normally freight-only route is 198.6 miles. Such diversions applied in May/June 2016, January and November 2017 and August 2020, and should appear on Amtrak's website Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the Arcadia stop is omitted. Such diversions may also wye (turn) by use of route IL4. Report updated: August 2020
Monticello Railway Museum IL17
Normal passenger operation is on former Illinois Central track between the relocated former Wabash depot (200 East Livingston Street, Monticello) and the private "Heath crossing" (1.3 miles beyond County Road 1900 N, towards White Heath), and on a short section of former Illinois Terminal trackbed into the Nelson Crossing museum site station at 992 Iron Horse Place (a total of 5.2 "unique" miles). Railroad Days is an annual event (usually a weekend in mid-September - 2024 dates: 21-22 September) when the Museum sometimes - depending on whether cars are stored on the line - may operate various of the trains operating on those days beyond their normal route: at the north end to the wye at Commercial Street, White Heath; at the south end, past the depot to Market Street crossing; and along a short segment of former Illinois Terminal south from the Nelson Crossing station to Camp Creek Yard - a potential extra 0.7 "unique" miles. Prospective visitors should make enquiries of the museum. Report updated: August 2024
Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis IL18
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
Indiana
[Tipton - Noblesville - ] Fishers – Indianapolis, Indiana State Fairgrounds IN1
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
[Jasper – ] Dubois – Cuzco [ – French Lick] IN2
The City of Jasper Park & Recreation Department operate - as The Spirit of Jasper - Jasper ⇔ Dubois (8.6 miles). The Indiana Railway Museum operate - as the French Lick Scenic Railway - French Lick ⇔ Cuzco (9.5 miles), and occasionally as advertised (but none for 2024) the whole 24.8 miles French Lick ⇔ Jasper. Report updated: August 2024
Cincinnati (Riverside), OH – Batesville – Greensburg IN3
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
"Pumpkin Patch" – North Judson – English Lake IN4
Most Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum services operate on former a Chesapeake & Ohio route between North Judson and English Lake (4.2 miles). Diesel worked Pumpkin Trains (in October), in addition to visiting English Lake, return through North Judson and run southwards about 1.4 miles on former Erie route to the pumpkin patch. Steam-worked Pumpkin Trains only do the southwards run to the pumpkin patch and back. All operate each Saturday in October. Report updated: November 2024
South Milford - Ashley IN5
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Tell City - Lincoln City IN6
Entry deleted - service withdrawn. Service apparently suspended sine die after 2022 season - check Ohio River Scenic Railway for possible future resumption. Report updated: August 2024
Indiana Northeastern Railroad IN7
Various lines of the Indiana Northeastern Railroad are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as Indiana Rail Experience. Check their website for specific routes (including adjacent states). Reported: April 2024
Iowa
Osceola – Woodburn and Shannon – Indianola Junction and Halpin – Frederic IA1
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated over these three sections. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Report updated: October 2009
Coralville – Iowa City IA2
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Omaha, NE – Council Bluffs – Clinton [ – East Clinton, IL – Chicago, IL] IA3
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Omaha ⇔ Chicago via Burlington, the California Zephyr (trains 5/6) are diverted via this route - the former Chicago & NorthWestern (the normally freight-only element is 444 miles, Omaha, NE ⇔ Elburn, IL). Such diversions (which applied in late summer and early December 2011 and February and March 2012) may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. Report up-dated: March 2012
[Boone - ] Fraser Siding - Wolf (Fraser Junction) IA4
The 3.7 mile section beyond Fraser Siding is normally used only by the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad's dinner and picnic/dessert trains, and Saturday "motorcar rides" as advertised. Other trains are normally restricted to the 7.6 mile section between Boone and Fraser Siding. No service passes West Fraser until further notice as the section beyond there is currently (August 2024) out of service, undergoing relaying. Check locally whether or not this still applies. Report updated: August 2024
Kansas
Enterprise - Woodbine KS1
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad KS2
The Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club of Carona, KS, operate occasional passenger excursions on this Watco subsidiary (former Missouri Pacific, St.Louis San Francisco and Atchison, Topeka &Santa Fe trackage) in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma, as advertised. Report updated: August 2024
Louisiana
New Orleans : wye at Clara Street tower LA1
Entry deleted - no longer used in regular passenger service.
New Orleans : Canal Street connection LA2
Entry deleted - route no longer restricted.
Maine
Brunswick - Rockland ME1
Delete entry - service withdrawn
Maryland
Hurlock - Federalsburg MD1
The Maryland & Delaware Railroad annually participates in the Hurlock Fall Festival (held on the first Saturday each October - 2024 date: 5 October) with train trips from Hurlock usually to beyond Federalsburg (total about 10 miles each way) - see this webpage. Report updated: August 2024
Cumberland - Maryland Junction, WV MD2
See entry WV3 under West Virginia.
[Frederick (Route 26) - ] Walkersville - Woodsboro MD3
The Southern Railroad operates heritage service 4 miles south from Walkersville to Route 26 (north Frederick) on former Pennsylvania Railroad, but Sunday Picnic Trains also cover the three miles northwards towards Woodsboro. The northern section may also be used for Pumpkin Patch specials in the autumn. Report updated: May 2024
Massachusetts
Walpole – Foxboro / Gillette Stadium – Mansfield MA1
This 8.5mile long CSXT line, linking two MBTA routes, is used - when advertised - for New England Patriots National Football League games or other events at Foxboro/Gillette Stadium by two special services: (a) Boston South Station ⇔ the stadium station, and (b) Providence, RI ⇔ the stadium station. Details from the MBTA website. The northern section Walpole ⇔ Foxboro is also covered by a Monday to Friday service - see current schedule. Report updated: August 2024
Wilmington – Wilmington Junction, CPW WJ MA2
The 3 mile Wildcat Branch - linking the Lowell and Haverhill commuter lines - is used by all Amtrak trains Boston, MA ⇔ Portland, ME. It is also used by any MBTA Haverhill line commuter service on Mondays to Fridays running without stop at Reading in the Haverhill line timetable (see current schedule). Report updated: August 2024
Lowell depot (station) – Dutton Street MA3
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Boston : Government Center – Bowdoin MA4
Entry deleted - service no longer restricted
South Worcester – Providence, RI MA5
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Providence & Worcester Railroad MA6
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Readville MA7
The MBTA Franklin line has links with the main line and with the Fairmount line here. Most Franklin and Foxboro line trains use platform 5 on the ramp track on the west side, while most Fairmount line trains terminate at high level platform 4, on the east side of the station. On Mondays to Fridays, occasional Franklin and Foxboro line trains access the Franklin branch by high level link from the Fairmount line - they are endorsed VIA FAIRMOUNT LINE in the Franklin/Foxboro branch timetable and use platform 4 at Readville (see current schedule). Note that although there are platforms (2 and 3) on the main line, there are no trains booked to stop at them. Report updated: August 2024
Various MA8
The Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts(check 'Events') run a number of public charter excursions over non-passenger lines. Report updated: November 2024
Kingston / Plymouth MA9
Entry deleted - Plymouth service withdrawn - trains only serve Kingston
[Boston South Station - ] Middleborough/Lakeville - Hyannis MA10
A summer weekend service for the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) extends 43 miles beyond the Middleborough/Lakeville limit of the MBTA commuter route - see Cape Flyer webpages. This is operated by MBTA over the state-owned Cape Main Line (operated for freight by Massachusetts Coastal Railroad). Report updated: August 2024
[Braintree] Green interlocking, South leg MA11
The Greenbush MBTA line joins the Old Colony main line at a wye (triangular junction) at Green interlocking, north of Braintree. When planned engineering work blocks the line between the wye and Boston South Station, Greenbush line trains may be diverted to run to and from Braintree, using the south leg of the wye (approx 0.2 miles). Such diversions (which applied in May 2023 but will not apply often) should appear in the MBTA Alerts Rail webpage, under Greenbush line. Report updated: August 2024
Michigan
Grand Rapids : wye at Sunnyside MI1
Entry deleted - no longer used in passenger service
[Coldwater – ] Quincy – Hillsdale MI2
In addition to their regular tourist services between Coldwater and Quincy (7 miles), Little River Railroad very occasionally operate excursions to Hillsdale (a further 16 miles) when advertised as Hillsdale Flyer (2024 date: 11 August). Report updated: April 2024
Owosso – Ithaca – Alma – Cadillac MI3
In addition to their North Pole Express and Yard Goat Caboose Rides at Owosso the Great Lakes Central Railroad also run longer autumn excursions as advertised in October although these and other shorter excursions still await restoration of their steam locomotive. Report updated: April 2024
[Clinton – ] Tecumseh – Raisin Center MI4
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Indiana Northeastern Railroad MI5
Various lines of the Indiana Northeastern Railroad are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as Indiana Rail Experience. Check their website for trips to Jonesville, MI or Hillsdale, MI. Little River Railroad also operates over a section of the INER (see MI2). Report updated: April 2024
Minnesota
Newport – St.Croix Junction MN1
The two bi-directional tracks used by the Empire Builder (trains 7 and 8) are separated (10.4 miles via north Track 1 (former Milwaukee); 11.7 miles via south Track 2 (former Burlington)). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Report updated: October 2009
Minneapolis, University - St.Anthony MN2
The Empire Builder (trains 7 and 8) has two available routes - the former Great Northern line via Union Yard (4.4 miles) or the former Northern Pacific line to Park Junction (3.5 miles) and then the Minnesota Commercial Railway's link to St.Anthony. Either route may be used at dispatcher's discretion, although the doubling of the former Great Northern has largely obviated the need to use the former Northern Pacific alternative. East of St.Anthony, both use the Minnesota Commercial Railway through the former Amtrak Midway Station and Merriam Park. Report updated: June 2016
Missouri
Granite City, WR Tower – St.Louis, MO, Gratiot Street MO1
See IL4 and IL18 under Illinois.
Camden, CA Junction - Hardin (west end) MO2
Over this 12.8 mile section there are three bi-directional tracks (two BNSF ex-AT&SF, one NS ex-Wabash which diverges slightly in places), all now available for Amtrak use at BNSF dispatcher's discretion, although for line speed reasons the ex-AT&SF tracks are preferred. Reported: March 2014
Hardin (east end) - Carrollton, WB Junction MO2
Over this 16.7 mile section there are two bi-directional tracks (one BNSF ex-AT&SF, one NS ex-Wabash), all now available for Amtrak use at BNSF dispatcher's discretion, although for line speed reasons the ex-AT&SF track is preferred. Reported: March 2014
[East St.Louis, IL, MacArthur Bridge north approach - ] Thebes Bridge - Poplar Bluff MO3
See IL16 under Illinois.
[Springdale, AR - ] Seligman - Monett MO4
See AR2 under Arkansas.
Nebraska
Oreapolis - East Wye Ashland NE1
When planned major engineering work or a flood wall against Missouri River flooding in Omaha blocks the regular Amtrak route through that city, the California Zephyr (trains 5/6) is diverted via this route, 25.7 miles. Such diversions (which applied during 2019 and June 2024) should (if planned) appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving Omaha]. Reported: June 2024
Nevada
Winnemucca, Weso – Alazon NV1
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated: the westbound normally uses the original Southern Pacific route (track 1, Elko and Shafter Subdivisions, 182.7 miles), the eastbound the original Western Pacific route (track 2, Elko and Shafter Subdivisions, 178.5 miles). Reported: August 2006
[Virginia City - ] Gold Hill - Eastgate - Eureka (Carson Canyon) NV2
The 10.2 mile section of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad between Gold Hill and Eastgate is covered only by their Carson City - Virginia City Train Rides, as advertised on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. The 1.9 mile section from Eastgate to Eureka (towards Carson City) is covered only by their Toast of the Canyon evening excursions as advertised (2024 dates: 17 August, 21 September). Route map. V&T's "Carson City" is actually Eastgate, near Mound House. Report updated: August 2024
[Keystone - ] East Ely Junction - Lavon NV3
On that section of the Nevada Northern Railroad that is still operational, most excursions from East Ely run south-west to Keystone ("Robinson Canyon"), turning on the wye there (7.1 miles from East Ely Junction). However, those marked "Valley Vista" instead run east towards McGill using the main line to Hiline Junction and the Mill (a.k.a. Adverse) branch thence to Lavon (7.2 miles from East Ely Junction). The 0.4 mile section East Ely Junction ⇔ East Ely station is common to both trips. For patrons participating in the the Shops walking visit, both excursions start or finish at the Shops (0.1 miles west of East Ely station, on the original main line). Report updated: June 2020
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City NV4
The museum offers steam train rides or (rail) motor car rides as advertised, most weekends, May to September, and a few dates in October, November and December. Trains leave from the main entrance to the museum property and ride a 0.4 miles radial loop around the museum grounds, used by all trains. Additionally, a wye and its reversing siding (tail track), a further 0.4 miles, are used only by steam trains. Report updated: August 2024
New Hampshire
[Lincoln – Woodstock – ] Plymouth – Meredith [ – Lakeport] NH1
The Granite State Scenic Railway (now owned by Patriot Rail) operate regular seasonal tourist services - normally restricted to two elements of the line:
(a) Lincoln (Hobo Junction station, not the original Lincoln station) to Jack o'Lantern, Woodstock ⇔ West Thornton, about mile 14.6 (6.7 miles). The Café Lafayette Dinner Train operates over the same route but from North Woodstock (about ¾ mile south of Hobo Junction) to West Thornton ⇔ Thornton, about mile 12.75 (7.8 miles) [mile posts measure up from zero at Plymouth], and
(b) Meredith via Weirs Beach to Lakeport (Laconia) (8.7 miles).
As advertised on Saturdays and Sundays at the end of September/beginning of October, they run additionally a round trip over part of the intervening section: from Meredith to The Common Man Inn, one mile north of Plymouth (14.6 miles) - the only advertised use made of this section. Details from theirwebsite's Fall Foliage trains or the Foliage Trains website. There does not appear to be any advertised operation on the remaining intervening section. Report updated: August 2024
[Conway – North Conway (ex-B&M station) - Mountain Junction (near Intervale) - Bartlett - ] Crawford Notch (a.k.a. Crawford's) - Fabyans NH2
The Conway Scenic Railroad operate regular seasonal tourist services - normally restricted to North Conway - Conway (5.3 miles) (Conway Valley Train) and North Conway - Bartlett - Crawford Notch (25.7 miles) (Mountaineer - formerly Notch train), extended between mid September and mid October to Fabyans (a further 4.0 miles) although their website unhelpfully does not readily distinguish which are the longer trips.... - enquire locally. [Bartlett-Sawyer River Excursion is only a short version] The 470 Railroad Club and The Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts occasionally run public charter excursions which may run beyond Crawford Notch. Conway - Mountain Junction is part of the former Boston & Maine line from Boston to Intervale; Redstone - Mountain Junction - Hazens is part of the former Maine Central Mountain Division line from Portland to St. Johnsbury. Report updated: August 2024
New Jersey
[Secaucus Junction – ] Sport interlocking – Meadowlands NJ1
This 1.9 mile branch from a junction with New Jersey Transit's Pascack Valley line serves major events at the sports complex, with a shuttle service from/to Secaucus Junction when advertised by New Jersey Transit. It is usually possible to make a quick round trip without attending the event. There is no service over the north-facing connection with the branch. Report updated: August 2024
County, Millstone Junction - Jersey Avenue [New Brunswick] NJ2
New Jersey Transit (select North East Corridor) arriving and starting trains here use a turn-back platform on the Millstone (now Clyde) freight branch. There is also a southbound platform on the through lines used by trains continuing to Trenton but none for northbound trains. Report updated: May 2023
[Newark Penn Station – ] Kearny – Meadows [ – Hoboken] NJ3
This link line - the Waterfront Connection (previously known as Gold Coast Connection) - between the North East Corridor and the New Jersey Transit Hoboken line is used only by 0507 Mon to Fri Raritan - Hoboken (train 2406) (New Jersey Transit (select Raritan Valley) - look for note HOB and a Hoboken timing). At all other times, passengers Newark Penn ⇔ Hoboken change trains at Secaucus Junction. Report updated: August 2024
[Newark Broad Street Station – ] Kearny – Allied Junction [ – Secaucus] NJ4
The two tracks of this link line - the Midtown Connection - between the North East Corridor and the New Jersey Transit Morris & Essex line are separated on either side of the North East Corridor. Although both tracks are reversibly signalled, they are generally used uni-directionally by NJT trains direct Newark Broad Street ⇔ New York (see New Jersey Transit (select Morris & Essex)). Report updated: May 2023
[Three Bridges – Flemington - ] Ringoes – Bowne – Lambertville NJ5
Black River & Western Railroad excursions run regularly Flemington ⇔ Ringoes (5.0 miles). The railway intend to extend southwards to Lambertville (opposite New Hope). Of this, the first section, to Bowne (2.5 miles), had been in use but has yet to enter regular service. Excursions north-eastwards from Flemington to Three Bridges have ceased. Report updated: August 2024
Swedesboro - South Woodstown - Salem NJ6
Woodstown Central Railroad operate excursions over this 16 mile section of the SMS Lines (former Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines) branch from Woodbury. Most excursions cover only one part of the line, but the Scenic Rambler trips cover this whole length, as advertised (2024 dates: 11 May; 10 August). Reported: August 2024
New Mexico
Anapra – El Paso, South Line Junction NM1
The two tracks used by the west and eastbound Sunset Limited (trains 1 and 2) are separated for 3.7 miles of the Lordsburg Subdivision: one uses the original Southern Pacific alignment, the other the original El Paso & Southwestern alignment. Reported: August 2006
Gallup - Albuquerque NM2
The two bi-directional tracks are separated over three sections of the route between Gallup and Albuquerque. The working of Southwest Chief (trains 3 and 4) is at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: June 2018
Big Horn wye NM3
This wye (on the Cumbres & Toltec line) sees occasional use by charter photographer's specials setting back to allow passage of regular passenger trains. The specials are available to the general public and run over 2-3 days a couple of times a year. Reported: January 2019
Chama wye NM4
Normally used for turning empty stock trains, this sees occasional use by charters with passengers on board. Also Fireman and Engineer School workings which may resume in 2025). Report updated: August 2024
[Santa Fe - ] CP Hondo - Lamy (Santa Fe Southern depot) NM5
This 13.6 mile section of the Santa Fe Southern Railway is used by Sky Railway's excursions of 4+ hours round-trip duration from Santa Fe (shorter excursions may not traverse the full length). The only trip to Lamy (none from there) is for the Lamy Beer Festival (2024 date: 21 September). Santa Fe to Hondo (originally Blewett) is also used by New Mexico Rail Runner Express. Report updated: August 2024
New York State
Queens Village – Belmont Park NY1
This Long Island Rail Road branch, ca.¼ mile long, is used only when so advertised for access to events at the Belmont Park racetrack or UBS Arena, by special service from New York Penn station or Jamaica. Two round trips operate Wednesday to Sunday during NYRA horse racing seasons [Spring-Summer Meets: late April to mid July; Fall Championship Meet: early September to late October - see their news page. Two direct trains Jamaica ⇔ Belmont Park operate before and after events at UBS Arena (Belmont Park is adjacent to UBS Arena). The LIRR website carries timings nearer the relevant dates. Report updated: August 2024
NY2
Entry deleted.
Mott Haven : wye NY3
The third side of the triangle (wye) at Mott Haven junction (MO interlocking) is used by Metro-North Railroad special trains - when advertised during the baseball season - linking the New Haven and Harlem Lines with the Yankees-East 153rd Street station, serving the Yankees' Stadium. Train service details at MTA website. Report updated: August 2024
Bethpage, BETH (Bethpage Junction) – Babylon, Belmont Junction NY4
The Central Branch is an 8.2 mile link between the Main Line and the Montauk branch, providing an alternative route for the latter west of Babylon. It is a normal route for through trains Jamaica or beyond ⇔ stations Bay Shore or beyond in Montauk timetable (i.e. not those marked with T note). However, some trains do run non-stop (by dextrous dispatching to avoid stopping trains!) via the western section of the Montauk Branch (now also known as Babylon Branch) via Freeport and do not use the Central Branch. To be sure of using route NY4, use one of the trains shown to call at Hicksville or Mineola. Report updated: February 2022
Buffalo : Canalside – Special Events Station NY5
For Buffalo Sabres games and the some other events at the KeyBank Center Arena or at Canalside, a train departs from the Special Events Station (also referred to as the Events Only Station) 30 minutes after the end of the event, and uses this short section of line at the southern end of the NFTA-METRO line, although it is not clear whether or not this facility still applies - enquire locally. Report updated: August 2024
Long Island City – Fresh Pond – Jamaica, Jay Tower NY6
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Long Island City – Hunterspoint Avenue – Harold Tower NY7
This 1.8 mile section of the Main Line has only Mon to Fri peak-hour service, of which the 0.6 mile section between Long Island City and Hunterspoint Avenue has only the seven inwards, five outwards trips through from/to Long Island City, shown in either City Terminal Zone timetable (Long Island City table). Note: trains starting or terminating at Hunterspoint Avenue run without passengers between there and Long Island City. Report updated: August 2024
Buffalo: CP2 - CP437 NY8
The normal route of Lake Shore Limited (trains 48/49) between the above points is by the Buffalo Creek line (CSX Buffalo Terminal Subdivision tracks 1 or 2, via CP Draw and the former FW Tower: 2.9 miles). When that is not available, the alternative CSX Buffalo Terminal Subdivision track 3 (former New York Central 'Compromise Branch' via CP 1: 2.5 miles) may be used instead. Reported: October 2014
Lakeville - Industry NY9
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Tompkinsville, NY - Ballpark (at St.George) - St.George, NY NY10
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
South Buffalo (Buffalo Creek Junction, CP Draw) - Hamburg - Eden - North Collins NY11
Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway operate excursions as advertised (no regular schedule) from Hamburg over parts of the Buffalo Southern Railroad's former Erie Railroad line. An extended trip normally operates at least once a year north to South Buffalo, then south to North Collins - see their Rail Fan Train Ride page. However, the trip for 2024 (29 September) offers a journey no different from other "20 mile round trip" rides. Report updated: September 2024
North Buffalo Junction CP8 - Sycamore - CP 434 NY12
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Depew ⇔ Niagara Falls via Buffalo Exchange Street station, the Empire Service trains to and from Niagara Falls (and Toronto) are diverted via CSX's freight Belt Line branch around the north and east of downtown, 7.2 miles. From Sycamore to the Chicago Main Line, the route is via the east leg of the wye past the east end of the former Central Terminal at CP 437, then south of Frontier yard. The Niagara-bound journey may involve a double reversal past the Central Terminal to access the east leg of the wye. Such diversions, which applied in 2013 and June and July 2020, may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories showing the omission of Exchange Street calls. Reported: June 2020
[Utica - ] Thendara (Old Forge) - Big Moose - Beaver River - Tupper Lake NY13
The Adirondack Railroad, operating over former New York Central track, operate regularly from Utica to Thendara (which they usually call Old Forge), with short extensions to Big Moose (11 miles from Thendara) or Beaver River (20 miles) (no alighting or joining at either). Occasional extended excursions to Tupper Lake (56 miles from Thendara) operate as The High Peaks Limited when advertised. Report updated: June 2023
Port Road CP187 or Carman CP156 - Hoffmans CP 169 NY14
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak/CSX route Albany ⇔ Hoffmans via Schenectady, trains towards Buffalo can be diverted by either of two routes: i. from Albany setting back to Port Road CP187 thence via CSX's Boston Line, Selkirk Yard and Selkirk Line to CP169 (38.2 miles)
ii. from Albany north to Carman CP156 thence via CSX's Carman Branch, South Schenectady and Selkirk Line to CP169 (14.4 miles)
Such diversions (which could also apply in reverse) may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories showing the omission of Schenectady calls. Diversion i. applied on 30 September and 1 October 2023 to some trains. Reported: September 2023
North Carolina
Dillsboro – Bryson City – Nantahala NC1
The regular Great Smoky Mountain Railroad tourist services Bryson City ⇔ Dillsboro (15.8 miles - Tuckasegee River Excursion) and Bryson City ⇔ Nantahala [run round loop at Hellards Court Circle] (23.0 miles - Nantahala Gorge Excursion) are normally scheduled in such a way that both services cannot be ridden on the same day. Excursions covering the whole line in one day have occasionally been organised by the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum (but not in 2024). Report up-dated: August 2024
Red Springs – Parkton NC2
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
Various NC3
Entry deleted - North Carolina Transportation Museum public charter excursions over non-passenger lines no longer apply
North Dakota
[Minot – ] Surrey – New Rockford – Nolan – KO Junction – Casselton – West Fargo – Fargo ND1
When planned major engineering work or flooding of the headwaters of the Missouri blocks the regular Amtrak route Minot ⇔ Fargo via Grand Forks, the Empire Builder (trains 7/8) is diverted via BNSF Railway's freight line via New Rockford, 228.4 miles (sometimes referred to as the "Surrey cut-off") (as applied during late October / early November 2012, early July 2020 and late February 2022). Similarly, when pressure of freight traffic (crude oil movements) requires "directional running", in one direction the train operates by the diversionary route while in the other direction it runs the regular route (as applied during much of 2014). Such diversions may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving intermediate points]. Report up-dated: February 2022
Ohio
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway / Orrville Railroad Heritage Society OH1
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
Cleveland Tower City/Public Square – South Harbor OH2
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's Waterfront Line from 4 August 2024 operates Saturdays and Sundays only. In addition, there is usually service for every regular-season home game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Report updated: August 2024
Cincinnati (Riverside) – Batesville, IN – Greensburg OH3
See entry IN3 under Indiana.
Ohio - various OH4
Cincinnati Scenic Railway is the operator of the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad and The Ohio Rail Experience. Together these operations provide year-round excursion train rides in western Ohio - the former regularly Lebanon ⇔ Hageman Junction, the latter as advertised over various sections of the Indiana & Ohio Railway system. Report updated: March 2021
Indiana Northeastern Railroad OH5
Various lines of the Indiana Northeastern Railroad are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as Indiana Rail Experience. Check their website for specific routes, some of which include Edon, OH. Reported: April 2024
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City streetcar OK1
There are two routes, the daily and longer one being a 4.86 mile one way only figure of eight circuit. There are three short connecting links between various streets, and one of these has a service FSSuO when the second route runs around Downtown only via the link between Myriad Gardens and Century Center.
Oregon
Portland : Rose Quarter Transit Center – Interstate/Rose Quarter OR1
On MAX [Metropolitan Area Express - TriMet's light rail system] is a junction between the Blue and Yellow lines. A linking curve, forming a triangle, is used for depot workings at beginning and end of service on the Yellow (Expo Center) line, daily. Such journeys at beginning of service are marked Y from Ruby Junction in the Blue Line westbound timetable and those at the end of service are marked Y in the Yellow Line southbound timetable, at the TriMet website. Report updated: May 2023
[Garibaldi – Rockaway Beach – ] Haddon - Wheeler – Batterson OR2
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad's Coastal Excursion train runs Garibaldi ⇔ Rockaway Beach (4.8 miles) and their regular dinner trains normally operate to Wheeler (a further 7.3 miles). East of Wheeler, Spring Splendor and Fall Splendor trains run to Batterson (8.5 miles) weekends in April, May, October and early November. Report updated: May 2023
Pennsylvania
Rockhill Furnace : wye and Colgate Grove : wye PA1
East Broad Top Railroad trains used to wye at each end of their journey before being suspended after 2011 season. When service resumed on 6 May 2022, the Colgate Grove wye was used but passengers initially detrained on the north leg of the wye at Rockhill Furnace; passengers now have the option of riding that wye, too, to alight at Orbisonia station. Report updated: April 2024
Reading Outer Station - Port Clinton – Nesquehoning Junction (former PQ Tower) – Jim Thorpe PA2
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad operate regular excursions as advertised on their Passenger Division Train Schedule pages. Between Nesquehoning Junction and Jim Thorpe is the same route as their Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway regular tourist excursions (see PA8). Report updated: April 2024
Yeadon (Chester and Callahan Avenues) – Darby PA3
This 0.75 mile section of SEPTA "subway-surface trolley" (== streetcar or tram) route 13 is only used (as advertised) at start and end of service, and at shift change-over times by cars proceeding to or from Elmwood depot (they are unadvertised Darby Transportation Center ⇔ Elmwood). Report updated: April 2024
[New Hope – ] Lahaska – Buckingham PA4
In addition to their regular tourist services throughout the year New Hope ⇔ Lahaska (4.1 miles), New Hope & Ivyland Railroad operate some excursions a short distance further, to Buckingham, as advertised. Report updated: April 2024
[Honesdale – ] Hawley – Lackawaxen PA5
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
[Latrobe – ] CP Conpit – Johnstown PA6
Track 3 follows a different alignment from tracks 1 and 2 over much of this 15.5 mile section; all are reversible. Track 2 is normally used by the Amtrak Pennsylvanian (trains 42/43/44) as it serves the platform at Johnstown, although track 3 (which has a slower track speed) may on occasion be used by the westbound train (train 43). Reported: August 2011
[Johnstown – ] Interlockings AR and UN – Benny [ – Altoona] PA7
Track 1 (signalled for eastbound trains) follows a different alignment from tracks 2 (reversibly signalled) and 3 (signalled for westbound trains) over this 2.1 mile section. Track 1 is normally used by the eastbound Amtrak Pennsylvanian (trains 42/44), while tracks 2 or 3 are used by the westbound train (train 43). Reported: August 2011
Dureya or Tunkhannock – Pittston Junction – Glen Summit – White Haven [ - M&H Junction (former Penn Haven Junction) - Old Penn Haven – Nesquehoning Junction (former PQ Tower) – Jim Thorpe] PA8
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad operate occasional passenger excursions over this route - as advised on their website. Between Jim Thorpe and Old Penn Haven is the route of their Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway regular tourist excursions and between Jim Thorpe, Old Penn Haven and White Haven is the route of their one weekend a month "Bike Trains" (on which round trip train fares are available). Between Nesquehoning Junction and Jim Thorpe is the same route as their [https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ excursions from Reading} (see PA2). Report updated: April 2024
Valley – Cynwyd PA9
This 2.1 mile section of the former Pennsylvania Norristown line is not particularly "obscure" but it only operates Mon to Fri peak hours, apart from one Mon to Fri mid-day round trip. Current schedule → Regional Rail → Cynwyd line. Report updated: April 2024
Bellefonte – Mill Hall, Dale Summit and Tyrone PA10
The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society runs occasional trips when advertised from Bellefonte over Nittany & Bald Eagle, former Pennsylvania RR, lines to Milesburg (2.6 miles), Sayers Dam (ca.9 miles) and to Mill Hall (23.1 miles) (on the Mill Hall line), to Pleasant Gap (3 miles) and Dale Summit (ca.10 miles) (on the Lemont line) and to Tyrone (33.5 miles), including 'fall foliage' trips on 19, 20, 26 and 27 October 2024. Report updated: August 2024
SEDA Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority PA11
In addition to the trains mentioned under entry PA10, other opportunities in central Pennsylvania are operated by the North Shore Railroad over track owned by SEDA Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority - excursions are listed at their link "Events" → "Passenger Excursions Time Table". Report updated: April 2024
Scranton - Carbondale and Scranton - Delaware Water Gap PA12
These former Delaware & Hudson and Delaware Lackawanna & Western lines (16 and 56 miles, respectively) are traversed by extended "Excursion train rides" from Steamtown at Scranton, see their website (which also gives details of their "Short Train Rides"). Archbald is a shorter trip on the Carbondale line; all other locations are shorter trips on the Delaware Water Gap line. Report updated: April 2024
Minersville - Cressona ("towards Schuylkill Haven") PA13
Railway Restoration Project 113 have sponsored occasional trains (such as 18 May 2024) in conjunction with Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad over this 6.3 mile section of former Reading Railroad . Report updated: April 2024
Panhandle interlocking (Monongahela river bridge south end) - Allentown - South Hills Junction PA14
This 1.91 mile section of the Port Authority of Allegheny County light rail system - former route 52 (closed to regular traffic from 27 March 2011) - is only used for infrequent diversions when Mount Washington Tunnel is closed for engineering work. Such diversions applied in January and October 2016, January 2020, and evenings from August 2020 until 30 June 2022, and appear either on the Port Authority's detours webpage (search on routes BLLB, BLSV and RED) or among their News Releases. Report updated: May 2022
Philadelphia: 42nd Street junctions - 40th Street Station (Market-Frankford line) - Lancaster Avenue PA15
SEPTA "subway-surface trolley" (== streetcar or tram) routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 use the relevant sections of these link lines to reach 40th Street station when the down-town trolley tunnel is closed for maintenance. This applies each week from 22:00 Sundays until 05:00 Mondays and from 2200 Mondays until 05:00 Tuesdays (see schedules and look for note M). Also at other times as advertised - look in System Status → Trolley → 10 → Advisory for Detours and for the annual Trolley Tunnel Blizt each July of around a fortnight's continuous tunnel closure and consequent detours. Trolleys utilise unidirectional turning circuits at 40th/Market Streets. Report updated: August 2023
Philadelphia: South 54th Street - Elmwood Avenue: Escape Track PA16
This ca. 700 yard long connection between the Amtrak North East Corridor and the SEPTA Airport line at PHIL interlocking enables diversion of SEPTA Airport trains ⇔ Philadelphia 30th Street low level (Amtrak) platforms when work affects their normal route ⇔ the high level platforms, and appear in System Status → Advisory. Such diversions applied in July/August in both 2022 and 2023 - but are unlikely to apply very often. Report updated: August 2023
[New Freedom - ] Howard Tunnel - Brillhart [ - Hyde] PA17
The northern extremity of Northern Central Railway is currently Brillhart, but the only way to be certain of covering the ca.1¾ mile section between Howard Tunnel and Brillhart appears to be by their "Bike Aboard" trips to or from Brillhart. Reported: July 2024
Rhode Island
Providence & Worcester Railroad RI1
See MA5 and MA6 under Massachusetts.
Davisville Junction - Quonset Point (North Kingstown) RI2
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Tennessee
Chattanooga : ChooChoo (former Terminal Station site) TN1
Entry deleted - regular excursions no longer operate
[Nashville – ] Lebanon – Watertown TN2
The Nashville Metropolitan Transportation Authority operate the regular commuter service over the Nashville & Eastern Railroad (former Tennessee Central) Nashville ⇔ Lebanon. Beyond there, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum operate excursions through from their Nashville museum site as advertised. Report updated: April 2024
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam excursions on Norfolk Southern lines TN3
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Memphis, West Junction - Lakeview, MS TN4
Memphis, West Junction - Lakeview, MS TN4 There are two bi-directional routes, both part of the Shelby Sub-division, each (allegedly) 7.46 miles long: Main 1 a.k.a. Low line (formerly IC passenger main) via Shelby Main 2 a.k.a. High line via Hulet The normal passenger routing is via Main 1, but the slower Main 2 may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: September 2024
Texas
San Marcos, CP Q212 UP Junction – San Antonio TX1
There are two bi-directional routes between CP Q212 UP Junction (just south of San Marcos), and San Antonio (approx. 53 miles), both now UP-owned as part of their Austin Subdivision:
- track 1 (formerly International - Great Northern (Missouri Pacific)) (the Amtrak platform at San Marcos is on this line, north of CP Q212)
- track 2 (formerly Missouri-Kansas-Texas)
These run broadly parallel but approach San Antonio on the west and east sides of the city, respectively. The scheduled routing is:
southbound Texas Eagle (train 21/421) track 1, giving a head-on move into San Antonio Amtrak station by the Tower 109 (Apache Junction) - Tower 112 (CP SA 211) link
northbound Texas Eagle (train 22/422) backs out to Tower 112 (CP SA 211) thence track 2 to Conrads, thence track 1 (note: the spur from East Yards to Travis no longer exists)
By following the scheduled route, the inbound train forms the outbound train without wyeing (turning). However, Amtrak trains can (and occasionally do) take either track or switch tracks at any of three places intermediately at dispatcher's discretion. Report updated: October 2013
Houston, Tower 26 – Beaumont, Langham Road TX2
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound Sunset Limited (trains 1 and 2) are separated: the westbound normally uses the original Southern Pacific (Texas & New Orleans) route, Layfayette and Terminal Subdivisions (78.4 miles), the eastbound the former Missouri Pacific (Beaumont, Sour Lake & Western) route, Houston West Belt, Houston East Belt and Beaumont Subdivisions (84.9 miles) (involving a back-up movement in Houston, from Carr Street to Lyons, or - occasionally - from the Amtrak depot to Chaney Junction, to reach Tower 26, thence Tower 210 and Belt Junction). Report updated: May 2017
[Cedar Park – ] Bertram – Burnet TX3
The Austin Steam Train operates regular year-round tourist services over the tracks of the Austin Area Terminal Railroad - normally Cedar Park - Bertram (23.3 miles). However, when advertised as The Hill Country Flyer - usually from March to May and again from late September to December - the railroad operates Saturday excursions on to Burnet (a further 11.3 miles). In-bound and out-bound trains at Cedar Park may use different legs of the wye there. Report updated: August 2024
Taylor – Hearne – Palestine (northbound) / Corsicana (southbound) – Longview, Junction TX4
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Longview / Dallas / Fort Worth / Taylor, the Texas Eagle (trains 21/421/22/422) is diverted northbound via the Union Pacific (former International - Great Northern, later Missouri Pacific) line (the normally freight-only element is 226.1 miles) and southbound via the Union Pacific (former St. Louis South Western and Houston & Texas Central) route via Corsicana; the intermediate stops - particularly Dallas and Fort Worth - are omitted. Although both routes are useable in either direction, the different routings reflect "directional running" on UP lines in Texas, and the actual location of the engineering work may have a bearing on whether or not this applies. Such diversions (which applied in autumn 2013, April/May 2014, May/June 2017, March 2018 and October 2019 but are unlikely to apply often) should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. Report updated: October 2019
Texarkana - Big Sandy TX5
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Texarkana ⇔ Big Sandy [- Mineola], the Texas Eagle (trains 21/421/22/422) is diverted via the Union Pacific (former St.Louis South Western) line (106.5 miles); the intermediate stops at Marshall and Longview are omitted. Such diversions (which applied in May 2016 and 2017, February/March 2019, August and October 2021) usually apply on a couple of dates each year (sometimes in one direction only) and should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. Report updated: October 2021
Houston - Rosenberg TX6
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Houston ⇔ Rosenberg, the Sunset Limited (trains 1 and 2) is diverted - west of Houston - via Tower 26 (Carr Street), T&NO Junction and Alvin (with reversals at Houston Amtrak station, at Carr Street and at Rosenberg). Such diversions (which applied in June 2016) are unlikely to apply often and, as there are no intermediate stops, they will not appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. Reported: June 2016
Dallas, DFW Junction - Grand Prairie - Fort Worth, Tower 55 TX7
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak/Trinity Railway Express route Dallas ⇔ Fort Worth, the Texas Eagle (trains 21 and 22) is diverted via the Union Pacific (former Texas & Pacific) route (with reversals at Tower 55). Such diversions applied on 18 and 19 March 2023 (previous days' departures from Chicago) but are unlikely to apply often and, as there are no intermediate stops, they will not appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. The TRE website may indicate such work (but not for Sundays when they anyway have no service. Reported: March 2023
Utah
Salt Lake City : Library – Courthouse UT1
Entry deleted - service no longer restricted
[Denver, CO – ] Wasatch – Ogden 31st Street – Salt Lake City UT2
See CO6 under Colorado. Between Ogden Bridge Junction and Salt Lake City the trains run on UP tracks, parallel to the UTA FrontRunner tracks.
[Castilla – ] Mapleton – Springville UT3
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated between mileposts approx. 690 and 695.8, the more westerly track 2 being longer than track 1. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: October 2013
Provo Central - Salt Lake City Central - Ogden UT4
UTA's FrontRunner service operates on its own dedicated tracks, parallel to Union Pacific's (used by Amtrak on regular route and on diversion route UT2), but diverging between Provo and Orem. Report updated: June 2018
Salt Lake City Central - Smelter UT5
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated only between Orange Street (milepost 782.0) and LM Bryan (milepost 777.2), the more northerly (track 1) being former Western Pacific, the more southerly (track 2) being former Los Angeles & Salt Lake (Union Pacific). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. Reported: June 2018
Brendel - Seven Mile UT6
Rocky Mountaineer inclusive tour trains use this 21.3 miles section of the Union Pacific (former Denver & Rio Grande Western, 1965 built) Cane Creek branch (Seven Mile is referred to as Moab, but is 5+ miles north of that town) - on a regular, seasonal basis. A video of the Cane Creek branch is on You Tube - but note that the section beyond Seven Mile (at 7:40 on the video) is not included in the regular public trips. Report updated: November 2021
Vermont
Vermont Rail System VT1
Entry deleted - facility no longer available. Former 'fall foliage' excursions from Chester, Rockingham (near Bellows Falls), and Ludlow have all been withdrawn. VRS services from Burlington (to Middlebury) use the same route as Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express.
Virginia
Dillwyn – New Canton VA1
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Alexandria : CR Tower – Val Interlocking VA2
Over this 1.5 mile section Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (Manassas Line) trains normally use the CSX line, except VRE train no. 338, 1710 Mon to Fri Broad Run - Washington Union Station, which uses Norfolk Southern's North Passing Track to avoid a conflicting movement. Val interlocking is at about the location shown as AF interlocking on the SPV Railroad Atlas. Report updated: June 2021
Roanoke – various excursions by The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society VA3
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Various excursions by Virginia Museum of Transportation VA4
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Virginia
Dillwyn – New Canton VA1
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Alexandria : CR Tower – Val Interlocking VA2
Over this 1.5 mile section Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (Manassas Line) trains normally use the CSX line, except VRE train no. 338, 1710 Mon to Fri Broad Run - Washington Union Station, which uses Norfolk Southern's North Passing Track to avoid a conflicting movement. Val interlocking is at about the location shown as AF interlocking on the SPV Railroad Atlas. Report updated: June 2021
Roanoke – various excursions by The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society VA3
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Various excursions by Virginia Museum of Transportation VA4
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Washington State
Tacoma Tideflats yard trackage WA1
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Spokane, Sunset Junction – Lakeside Junction WA2
There are two bi-directional routes between these locations, both part of BNSF's Northwest Division:
- Lakeside Subdivision ("Low Line") (formerly Northern Pacific - 10.6 miles)
- Spokane Subdivision ("High Line") (formerly Spokane, Portland & Seattle - 10.9 miles)
In normal operation, the Lakeside Subdivision is used by eastbound freight trains, the Spokane Subdivision by westbound freight trains. However, the Portland sections of the Empire Builder (trains 27 and 28) normally use the "Low Line" in both directions. That portion of the Spokane Subdivision Sunset Junction ⇔ Latah Junction (0.8 miles) is also used, in both directions, by the Seattle sections of the Empire Builder (trains 7 and 8). Report updated: July 2017
West Virginia
Hawks Nest, MA interlocking – Sewell, MJ interlocking WV1
Although there are two bi-directional tracks - separated by the New River - available at dispatcher's discretion, the speed limits on the line on the west bank (Track 2) and passing siding (loop) on east bank dictate that the Cardinal (trains 50 and 51) normally runs via the line on the east bank (Track 1) in both directions. Report updated: September 2019
Green Spring – Wappocomo (Romney) – Sycamore Bridge – Petersburg WV2
The Potomac Eagle "Trough Canyon" excursions of the South Branch Valley Railroad normally run over the 17 miles south from Wappocomo (Romney) to Sycamore Bridge. As advertised "All-day Petersburg" trips extend a further 22 miles to the southern end of the line at Petersburg. On a few occasions each year, a trip covers the 15.2 miles north from Wappocomo to Green Spring as "Green Spring" trip - sometimes advertised in conjunction with a Trough trip as "Combo". When an "All-day Petersburg trip" runs the previous day, it is possible to cover the complete line over a weekend. Check their website. Report updated: April 2024
Cumberland, MD - Maryland Junction WV3
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
Old Spruce - Spruce WV4
The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad (trading as Mountain Rail and operating the Cass Scenic Railroad) operate a limited number of Cass Scenic Spruce Trips which include this 1.1 mile section (2024 dates: 18 May, 13 July, 10 August, 7 September). Reported: July 2024
Durbin wye WV4
The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad (trading as Mountain Rail and operating the Cass Scenic Railroad) use the wye at Durbin prior to arrival on their Greenbrier Express trips from Cass. Reported: July 2024
Wisconsin
Elm Grove – Brookfield WI1
The two tracks used by the west and eastbound Empire Builder (trains 7 and 8) are separated in the western environs of Milwaukee. Reported: August 2006
[St.Paul, MN – ] St. Croix Junction, MN – Prairie du Chien – East Dubuque, IL [ – Chicago] WI2
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route St.Paul ⇔ Chicago via Milwaukee, the Empire Builder (trains 7/8) are diverted via BNSF Railway's former Chicago Burlington & Quincy "twin cities" main line. The normally freight-only element is 369 miles. Such diversions (which applied in July 2008 and December 2012) may appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the intermediate calling points are omitted. Report updated: December 2012
Wyoming
[Denver, CO – ] Speer Junction – Evanston [ – Salt Lake City, UT] WY1
See CO6 under Colorado. Note that there are two prospective routes within Wyoming between West Speer and Laramie.
[Denver, CO – ] Speer Junction – Cheyenne WY2
See CO1 under Colorado.
Sparse services
None known.
Deletions since last edition
None.
