How Busy is Rochelle, IL

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Freight traffic seems to be down on most railroads so I was wondering how busy Rochelle, IL is now. We stopped into Rochelle on the way to Madison, WI on a Tuesday afternoon about 2 PM earlier this month, and only two trains (one westbound BNSF and one eastbound UP) passed during the hour or so we were there. I had expected to see more trains. I am wondering whether this level of traffic is normal for a Tuesday afternoon at Rochelle? Did I run into a time when there was a lull in traffic? Or were work windows in effect on either railroad? I realize freight trains often do not run on specific schedules, and their may be some lulls in traffic. Nevertheless the Railroad Park in Rochelle, IL is a good idea, and it shows that railfans are welcome in Rochelle. We topped off the tank inour rental car, and we bought some snacks in a convenience store in town since the store next to the railroad park is closed on Tuesday.

[Anonymous]

I heard that usually anywhere from 12 to 2 is slow but after that it picks back up.

[Soo2610]

I think you hit a lull. It is rare to see only two trains in an hour at Rochelle. Usually, you will see a couple of trains in the first fifteen minutes you are there.

[Anonymous]

Hi Rudy, The UP does run more trains at night and also they did have work windows the past few weeks, so there were lulls in the afternoon. I took a friend to Rochelle on 10-07-01. We arrived at 11:30 pm and saw 40 trains by 5:30 am. Needless to say we did not get any sleep. The UP runs about 63 trains a day though Rochelle and I hope you have better luck next time. Dave