EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — Amtrak Michigan service is dealing with cancellations today because of a Norfolk Southern derailment Sunday in northwestern Indiana.
NS said in a statement that eight cars of ethanol derailed on a train traveling through Gary, Ind., at about 10:35 p.m., resulting in a spill of about 250 gallons of ethanol from one railcar. NS personnel secured the leak, which was limited to railroad property. There were no injuries, and there is no danger to the public. “Our team remains on site working closely with first responders to mitigate the incident and will soon begin cleanup,” the railroad said.
The Amtrak Alert feed on X.com reports that this morning’s first eastbound Wolverine, No. 350, and evening westbound No. 355 have both been cancelled “due to a track closure” stemming from the derailment. Alternate bus transportation is being provided for No. 355.
There are alternatives. They just don’t use them. CSX is one possibility.
No alternative route for the Wolverine?
No. No alternative route has had passenger trains for decades. Best to bite the bullet and clean up the derailment.
Amtrak trains to Detroit and Port Huron can and have used the South Shore as a detour route, however I don’t know if they’re going to use it this time.