AMTRAK has announced plans to dismantle two major structures along two major routes, which will significantly impact schedule times for two train lines.
Amtrak has announced significant changes to two major lines[/caption]
The changes will impact the Blue Water and Wolverine lines[/caption]
In a schedule change notice, Amtrak stated that “structures along routes used by Amtrak trains are scheduled to be dismantled” near Michigan City, Indiana, and Augusta, Michigan.
Amtrak has planned to demolish two coaling towers in these areas.
Two passenger lines will be impacted by this change: the Amtrak Wolverine and Blue Water schedules.
These lines run between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan, as well as between Chicago and Port Huron, Michigan.
These changes are scheduled to go into effect on September 15 through September 19, 2025.
“Alternate transportation is being provided for select trains and is limited based on charter bus capacity,” Amtrak said, also noting that schedule times have been updated to “reflect these changes” on Amtrak.com.
With charter buses providing other means of transportation for passengers, it will ultimately result in longer wait times and limited capacity.
Track improvements will continue Mondays through Thursdays until October 30, 2025.
EASTBOUND, SEPTEMBER 15-19
Eastbound Train 352, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, has been canceled, with alternate transportation provided by Bus 3352 between the two cities.
Train 364 between Chicago and Port Huron has been canceled as well, with an alternate bus route being offered between both cities.
Train 354, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, has been canceled with no alternate transportation provided.
EASTBOUND, SEPTEMBER 19
Train 350, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, has been canceled with no alternate transportation provided.
WESTBOUND, SEPTEMBER 15-19
Train 351, which normally operates between Pontiac and Chicago, has been canceled, with alternate transport provided by Bus 3351 between Pontiac and Chicago.
Meanwhile, Train 365 between Port Huron and Chicago has been canceled, but passengers will be able to catch a bus between the two destinations.
Train 355, normally running between Pontiac and Chicago, has been canceled with no option for alternate transportation.
Amtrak changes
Wolverine & Blue Water service disruptions (September 15–19)
Temporary cancellations and bus replacements due to coaling tower demolition and track upgrades in Michigan.
Norfolk Southern settlement
Amtrak Crescent Route passenger trains will be prioritized to reduce delays.
NextGen Acela trains
New high-speed trains launched late August with expanded schedules and improved amenities; full rollout by 2027.
Rail yard modernization
Upgrades underway in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., to support new train fleets.
WESTBOUND, SETPEMBER 19
Train 353 operating between Pontiac and Chicago has been canceled, with alternate bus transportation provided.
Meanwhile, Trains 350 and 353 will continue to operate Saturdays and Sundays only.
WHAT ARE COALING TOWERS?
Coaling towers are facilities used to load coal into railway steam locomotives, which use coal as fuel.
The structures would lift coal into the air to deposit it into the locomotives as they stop underneath.
However, according to the National Parks Service, the modern switch to diesel-electric trains has caused coaling towers to fall out of need.
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced the service alert to the Blue Water and Wolverine lines on Facebook, with one user commenting, “So [you’re] ripping out more train lines?”
MDT responded, “No, a century-old coaling tower built over the track by the Michigan Central Railroad is being removed.”
One coaling tower set to be demolished in Michigan City is more than 100 years old and has been out of commission for 50 years, according to WSBT.
“It needs to go because it’s a potential hazard, and it needs maintenance if it’s going to stay there, and it would not be a good use of money to maintain something we’re not using,” said Marc Magliari, Amtrak Senior Public Relations Manager.
