5 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

WWL-TV, Channel 4 in New Orleans, LA, 2/13/16:

Amtrak riders diverted due to fire on tracks near Spillway

Witnesses reported a large fire Saturday morning, February 13, on the train tracks just off the Bonnet Carre Spillway of Interstate 10.

Here is this story.

[CNJRoss]

WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA, 2/13/16:

 

Video report:  Fire on tracks near Spillway put out

[CNJRoss]

AP via Chicago Tribune, 2/13:

Train trestle fire near New Orleans doused, Amtrak route from Chicago cut

 

Firefighters Saturday used helicopters and airboats to douse a blaze on a train trestle west of New Orleans, but some Amtrak and freight service remain disrupted. 

 

St. Charles Parish spokesman Tristin Babin said Saturday evening that the fire had been extinguished following an all-day effort. He said remaining hot spots should be out by Sunday morning.

 

Officials responded after 8 a.m. when people working on the Canadian National Railway trestle reported the fire. Babin had earlier said workers were grinding rails, but later said he couldn't confirm the cause. CN spokesman Patrick Waldron said the cause is being investigated.

 

Continue here w/photo.

[CNJRoss]

WLBT-TV; WDBD-TV, Jackson, MS 2/15:
 

Amtrak buses passengers to New Orleans

 

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - Repairs continue on train tracks outside of New Orleans after a huge fire disrupted service and forced a change of plans for passengers. 

 

The only way for Amtrak customers to get to New Orleans is by bus out of Jackson.

 

SNIP

 

Folks who were hoping to catch the train from Jackson to New Orleans were surprised by the news.

 

One business passenger on his way to New Orleans happened to be a representative for the Southern Rail Commission on Potential Gulf Coast Service Restoration Options.

 

More here w/video report.

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak service alert:

City of New Orleans: Busing between Jackson and New Orleans Effective through February 29, 2016

Bus service is being provided between Jackson and New Orleans while repairs are being made to the Spillway Bridge. Repairs are expected to be completed by late February 2016, and normal train service will resume.

 

Passengers will be provided bus service in both directions between Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, McComb, Hammond and New Orleans.

 

We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience. For schedules and information, visit Amtrak.com, use our free mobile apps or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

 

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak.

 

[CNJRoss]

AP via KALB-TV, Alexandria, LA 2/23:
 

Burned bridge fixed, City of New Orleans train back on track

 

NORCO, La. (AP) - Amtrak says Canadian National Railway has replaced about 800 feet of burned railroad trestle, so its City of New Orleans passenger train is back on the tracks in and out of its namesake city.

 

SNIP

 

Amtrak spokesman Mark Magliari of Chicago says Tuesday afternoon's train left on time at 1:45 p.m., and the incoming train was due across later in the afternoon.

 

Continue here.

 

Note:  Now "OBE" service advisory is still posted by Amtrak.